A MICHELIN starred chef, known for being Gordon Ramsay's protege, has revealed his fine-dining restaurant in West Sussex is set to permanently close.
The four AA Rosette holder has appeared on Saturday Kitchen with James Martin alongside Paul Ainsworth.
Matt Gillan, who previously featured on Masterchef, has confirmed his Heritage restaurant has officially shut.
The restaurateur took to social media to make the announcement and blamed the “cost” of navigating recent months for the closure.
Gillan was previously the head chef at the Pass at South Lodge where he obtained a Michelin star.
He went on to open Heritage six years ago after successfully crowdfunding £90,000.
The venue stopped serving customers last July to allow the premises to undergo a transformation into an event space.
Before this, fine diners could enjoy the six-course Supper Club menu, costing £85 for lunch and an additional £10 levy on top for dinner.
Each service was limited to 16 covers as the options changed every week.
Heritage originally faced fears of closing last year but it seemed the coveted chef had plans to reopen doors for customers.
However, the latest reveal confirms that Gillan's venue will remain shut.
Gillan previously appeared on the BBC's Great British Menu before going on to work under Gordon Ramsay.
He managed to retain a Michelin star for five years before he left South Lodge.
After visiting an event in Brighton, Gillan was informed of a building sitting empty in a quiet village.
This stuck in his mind and led to him opening Heritage with the goal of achieving two-star service.
He previously spoke about wanting to build a reputation without the need to check off accolades.
The website for Heritage is yet to be updated with the homepage suggesting bookings can still be made.
Gillan's statement on Instagramread in full: “A note from Matt
“Hi Everyone. I hope you are all keeping well.
“Apologies for my radio silence over the last few months.
“As I'm sure many of you may have gathered by now, Heritage has been closed for the last few months and will remain closed!
“I tried to navigate our situation as best as I could but unfortunately the cost in doing so was a lot and not just the financial side!!”
“I know a lot of people have been trying to get in touch to discuss various subjects.
“Again my apologies. I've had no access to emails, which has not helped iron out any confusion or frustration.
“I have organised a new email for those wishing to get in touch regarding outstanding vouchers or for suppliers I will then be able to offer a solution or more information about the next stage [email protected]
“The story of Heritage has been an amazing journey for me, and one I am truly proud of.
“I just wish it could have ended on a more positive note.
“There have been a huge number of loyal followers along this road and I know I have let many people down, over the last few months.
“I intend on making this right, however best I can.”
Flying Eze has approached the team at Heritage for comment.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANYFood and drinkchains have been struggling recently as thecost of livinghas 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 administrationtwo years ago, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200jobs.
Pizza giant,Papa Johns also shut down 43 of its stores.
Tasty, the owner ofWildwood, said it could shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
