Announcing the news, founder Andreas Antona said that the economic environment and the costs associated with running the business had become too much, and that closing it was ‘the most sensible decision’.
The restaurant was put on the market in January last year after Antona retired from the industry after 50 years. The intention at the time was to find a buyer for the restaurant but after three aborted sales attempts he said he has been left with no choice but to close the doors.
“I didn’t want it to end like this but with the economy as it stands, and so much time and money invested to keep us going, it is the most sensible decision,” said Antona.
“I put Simpsons on the market a year and a half ago, after ongoing health issues led me to re-evaluate where and how I needed to focus my time and energy.
“At the time, I had every confidence that such a longstanding and respected Birmingham restaurant would find a suitable buyer to take it into an exciting new era. However, three aborted sales attempts later and I am left will no choice but to close the doors.”
Antona launched Simpsons in 1993 in Kenilworth but moved it to its current home in a Grade-II listed Georgian villa in 2004. The business has held a Michelin star since 1999.
The kitchen at Simpsons is led by chef director Luke Tipping, who has been a core part of the team since the restaurant launched over three decades ago, and head chef Steve Locklin.
“Simpsons has been a huge part of my life for the past 32 years and I want to thank Luke, Steve and the team for maintaining the high standards that our guests expect during the toughest of economic times. I will always be grateful for your hard work and commitment,” added Antona.
“I also want to extend my thanks to Simpsons alumni who played an important role in the restaurant’s history. I am proud that Simpsons helped kickstart the successful careers for so many talented local chefs and front of house personnel.
“If it wasn’t for the hard work of the team, digging deep into my own pockets and the loyalty and support of our guests, this moment would have arrived much sooner.”
Simpsons is one of a number of high-profile restaurants to have closed over the past 12 months and the sector feels the pressure of rising costs and falling customer spend.
“In my 50 plus years in hospitality I have never known a more challenging economic climate for restaurants,” said Antona. “Our many calls for reasonable government support have fallen on deaf ears.
“The joy and satisfaction of creating and running such a special restaurant for so long and meeting so many wonderful people along the way has made my time at Simpsons memorable.”
Simpson’s sister restaurant The Cross at Kenilworth remains open as usual.