Another High Road Restaurant Closes Suddenly
Rock and Rose latest casualty of tough environment for hospitality industry
Rock and Rose this week after closure announcement. Picture: ChiswickW4.com
January 17, 2025
Rock & Rose restaurant has announced its closure after nearly three years on Chiswick High Road.
In a message to customers ‘Team Rock’ said, “We want to extend a huge heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited us over the years and became part of our journey. Your support and loyalty have meant the world to us.”
The restaurant gained a loyal following after taking over the former premises of Bills at 270-272 Chiswick High Road, in what was a vote of confidence in the local hospitality industry following the pandemic by its owner Lorraine Angliss.
However, issues such as difficulties with recruiting staff and a cost-of-living crunch, which has led to people dining out less, have made trading difficult for all those operating in the food and drink sector.
Other local restaurants in the group remain open including the one of the same name on Kew Road in Richmond, which was established in 2009, and Little Bird restaurant and cocktail lounge across the road from Chiswick train station.
The closure follows that of Capri, the Italian restaurant on Turnham Green Terrace which shut last month. Initially a sign suggested that it was just a temporary break due to a ‘technical issue’ but since the new year a sign advertising the lease has been placed in the window by Whitman’s commercial property agent. The lease for the 1,463 sq ft unit is being offered at £60,000 per annum with no premium.
Capri failed to reopen after closing in December
There are concerns that these departures from the local restaurant scene may not be the last with the looming issue of increased employers’ National Insurance Contributions and an increase in National Living Wage looming in April which will raise staff costs.
However, the news for the sector is not all bad with Fuller, Smith and Turner issuing a trading statement in which it reported like for like sales across its pubs and restaurant business were up 5.9%. This included double digit growth in what it described as ‘excellent’ trading over Christmas and New Year.
Chief Executive, Simon Emeny, said, “We have delivered great results throughout 2024, and this has been enhanced with a really strong Christmas. These results would not be possible without the dedication and passion of our amazing team of people, and I would like to thank them all for their hard work and ongoing commitment.
He added that although the business had taken appropriate actions to meet the challenges ahead and remained ‘confident and optimistic about the future’.
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