Much lauded Merseyside restaurant Fraiche is closing for good after almost 20 years in business.
The Michelin-starred venue, based in Oxton, will be shutting up shop in September of this year. Chef Marc Wilkinson said it was "gloomy" news but confirmed he will be closing the "restaurant side of Fraiche as you know it".
Taking to Facebook, the chef - who has operated the kitchen solo - revealed he needed "some much needed time and space to explore other projects, ideas and interests", after the better part of two decades running the popular venue. All current bookings will be honoured before the doors close at the end of September.
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In a detailed post, the chef penned: "I have some good and some sad news to share with you; let's get the gloomy side out of the way first. The time has now come for me to step away from the restaurant side of Fraiche and give myself some much needed time and space to explore other projects, ideas and interests, which previously I have been unable to pursue and finally make the transition from one man and his restaurant to one man and his dog.
"All current bookings in the system will be honoured, but no more new reservations will be released… meaning that at the end of September I will be closing the restaurant side of Fraiche as you know it. 18 years is a long time in one place and the intensity, drive and focus required to keep creating, developing and evolving Fraiche has been exciting but all consuming, not to mention physically and mentally draining.
"I am immensely proud of everything I have achieved at Fraiche over the years and feel incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity to put Merseyside proudly on the culinary map." The chef confirmed it will not be the end of the Fraiche name, and hinted at plans for future "ideas and projects".
Wilkinson added: "The 'Fraiche' name will not be going away any time soon. There are so many ideas and projects which have been racing around my brain for a long time, and now finally I will be able to devote the time and energy to their fruition.
"Please stay signed up to our social media platforms to be the first to hear of any “Fraiche” news about future projects, events and developments. This is not the end, just simply a change in my direction. Thank you for all your support and love for Fraiche."
Share your memories of Fraiche in the comments section below.
The news was met with a blend of sadness and support from fans of Fraiche online. Taking to the comments section, Tam Bennett said: "All good things come to an end…. Those of us who have been lucky enough to eat at Restaurant Fraiche will always remember dining with you as one of the very best culinary experiences ever."
Sandra Smith said: "We will definitely miss our restaurant visits. That can’t have been an easy decision for you to make but it is good to hear that you have a way forward after these difficult times. We are looking forward to hearing all about the new ventures. Thank you for all the fantastic experiences you have proved for us over the years. Good luck".
Jayne Pinder added: "Obviously a little gutted. Will be keeping see an eye on those bookings for one last visit! We've had some amazing nights at Fraiche, and some pretty emotional ones too. Feel so lucky to have shared some of those moments with you, I mean who else would set up a tardis in their restaurant. Excited for the next stage of Fraiche too."
Fraiche is based at 11 Rose Mount, Oxton, Birkenhead, Prenton CH43 5SG. You can find more information here.
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