One of the most acclaimed restaurant groups in Wales is facing a "mind-blowing" annual electricity bill of £500,000 across its five sites. The 44 group has warned that the independent restaurant sector could be almost "wiped out" unless there is "major intervention" before October.
The company, which specialises in Spanish food and drink, has three Bar 44 restaurants in Cardiff, Penarth and Bristol. Run by Cowbridge-raised siblings Owen Morgan, Natalie Isaac and Tom Morgan, the group also includes Cardiff's Parador 44 hotel and its ground floor restaurant Asador 44.
Owen Morgan said on social media this week that the group's electricity bill could soon rise to £500,000 a year, though Ms Isaac told WalesOnline this is a "worst-case scenario". She said "crazy" energy price increases have added to a "perfect storm" threatening the future of independent restaurants.
