Shropshire Star

Jobs lost as famous Shropshire restaurant closes

One of Shropshire's most famous and successful restaurants has closed its doors for the last time – leaving eight staff out of work.

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La Becasse, in Ludlow, had a star-studded history and welcomed A-list celebrities like Keira Knightley while also earning Michelin stars and welcoming top chefs.

But it has closed after facing financial difficulties, leaving its head chef heartbroken.

Chris O'Halloran said he was given two hours to pack up and get out when liquidators arrived and changed the locks. It happened a month after he'd been named one of the UK's best chefs in a nationwide competition.

La Becasse, Corve Street, Ludlow

La Becasse had a glittering 15-year gastronomic history and was home to some of the UK's most illustrious chefs, including Michelin Bib Gourmand winner Ken Adams, two Michelin star holder Claude Bosi and one Michelin star holder Will Holland.

Today Mr O'Halloran praised his staff and said business at the restaurant had been good.

He said: "We'd been doing well but we're part of a bigger business. The numbers from Becasse were part of a bigger picture. It's a shame. It's the end of an era."

He had relocated from Scotland to run the restaurant, moving his family of four with him. He added that he had already been offered work elsewhere but now faced the prospect of having to move again.Mr O'Halloran added that he and seven other members of staff had not been paid for their work in December. He said: "A lot of people with families or in couples had a very difficult Christmas and new year. It's a great shame."

There have been rumours of difficulties at La Becasse for some time, though Mr O'Halloran scotched those after winning one of the UK's leading awards for chefs.

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