THE owners of Salisbury restaurant, Allium, have announced that it will close for the winter months due to increased food and energy costs.

The decision was made after the government failed to offer guarantees of support for the hospitality industry following the Autumn Statement.

The restaurant opened just before the pandemic struck and has managed to survive the lockdown periods, but has decided that the economic environment is not conducive to remaining open.
It will close on December 23 with its spring reopening date yet to be confirmed.
The decision follows similar decisions by other high profile restaurants in the city, with Wilding being the latest to cite rising costs a its reason to close.

A spokesperson said: “Owing to the rapidly rising costs facing small businesses like ours, we have decided, in line with many other hospitality businesses, to close for the winter months which is when trade is at its lowest.
“The rate at which food and energy costs are escalating would threaten the continued viability of Allium during the winter ‘lean period’.
“We will remain open until December 23, after which we will closely monitor the economic climate in order to decide when we can reopen.
“We would like to thank all our guests who have supported us so far, during what has been an immensely difficult few years for hospitality businesses.
“We look forward to being able to welcome you back in the spring.”