A MUCH-LOVED restaurant has announced its sudden closure, just months after being recognised by the prestigious Michelin Guide.
Tare Bistro, located in a converted shipping container at Wapping Wharf, Bristol, closed immediately due to financial difficulties.
Known for its modern British sharing plates and five-course tasting menu, the team highlighted “difficult financial circumstances” as the reason for shutting down, despite recent success.
In a heartfelt statement on their social media page, the team wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the immediate closure of Tare Bistro.
“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to all of our guests, friends, suppliers and colleagues who have shared meals, memories and produce with us over the years.
“Your support has meant the world to us.”
They reassured the public that staff members had secured new positions, suppliers were being paid, and their rent was up to date.
“We’ve done our very best to act responsibly,” they added.
Tare Bistro had gained recognition in the 2025 Michelin Guide, earning a coveted Bib Gourmand for its quality dining at reasonable prices.
The team had celebrated their achievement just months ago, thanking their hardworking staff and the Bristol food scene for their support.
This closure comes almost a year after the shutdown of its fine dining counterpart, Tare Restaurant, in April 2024.
Tare Bistro had opened in October 2023 as a more casual sister venue.
The Tare team also briefly operated Tare Bar in the restaurant’s former space before it transitioned into Lapin, a French dining spot.
Why Are Restaurants Closing?
The hospitality industry is facing mounting pressures, including soaring bills, rising costs, and squeezed budgets.
Many independent restaurants, as well as larger chains, have struggled to survive in an increasingly difficult financial climate.
More closures could be on the horizon due to upcoming hikes in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and the national minimum wage.
These additional costs, combined with already high energy bills and food prices, have put severe strain on small businesses,
The rising cost of living has also led to a decline in dining out, with many consumers cutting back on discretionary spending.
After struggling to recover from the impact of the pandemic, restaurants were then hit with inflationary pressures, making it harder to maintain profitability.
Big names like Wetherspoons and Frankie and Benny’s have had to scale back operations, reflecting a wider crisis within the food and drink industry.
[boxout headline=”What is happening to the hospitality industry?” intro=”By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter”]MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
