MasterChef Winner Simon Wood Closes Restaurant

Simon Wood, the MasterChef winner, has announced the immediate closure of his Michelin-star-recommended restaurant, WOOD Manchester, after seven years of operation. Citing financial difficulties, including COVID-related rent arrears, increasing energy and ingredient costs, and rising business rates, Wood expressed his regret on social media, stating, 'We just cannot make this work.' Despite the restaurant's prior success, including a double AA Rosette award and a Michelin recommendation in 2019, the challenging economic climate has made it untenable to continue. The restaurant's website was still promoting its Christmas menu when the closure was announced, highlighting the abrupt nature of the situation. In recent days, Wood had also voiced frustration over diners not showing up for reservations, emphasizing the difficulties faced by small businesses in the current climate. The closure reflects a broader trend, with nearly 1,932 restaurants entering insolvency in 2023 alone, as indicated by data from Price Bailey.