A ‘heartbroken’ restaurant owner in Clifton says the Covid-19 pandemic and a lack of support from the Government has killed off his business, forcing it to close.
The owner of 99 Queens, which opened back in 2016 and was one of Bristol’s top restaurants and bars, said the business has had to shut down ‘because of the whole c**p we have dealt with in the last two years’. Richard Avison said the Queens Road restaurant, which was named by Bristol Live food critic Mark Taylor as the place with the best English breakfast in Bristol, had not survived coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Owner Richard Avison said they had tried their hardest to get through the last winter, but didn’t survive it. “We tried our hardest to try and get through December after everything Bojo did to destroy hospitality. And sadly… we didn’t survive it,” he said in a message to regulars last week.
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“I’ve spent six years of my life building and creating a unique business which was 99 Queens. I've been fortunate that I’ve had great success. But the joyful Covid came along and pretty much killed that for us all,” he added. Mr Avison said he dedicated his life to making 99 Queens into a success, was ‘pretty heartbroken’ to lose it. As well as the accolade from Bristol's top food reviewer, 99 Queens was also listed by TripAdvisor as the best for breakfasts too, and won an award in 2020.
“From opening Queens back in 2016 all I've known has been Queens and this business,” he continued in a Facebook post to customers. “Building friendships with you all over the years. If you can believe it I am pretty heartbroken by this.
“You guys helped me have a great and successful business before Covid and I’m truly thankful for that. I appreciate you all who have helped me survive the last two years through probably the toughest times for businesses and I wish all the luck in the world to the other businesses out there still going through the joys of it all,” he said, adding thanks to his staff and family who have supported the business too.
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“99 Queens May one day reign again but for now, me and her are taking a well deserved step back from the world of cafes and restaurants for a while,” he added. The business is listed as 'permanently closed' on Google. Many customers expressed their sympathy on Facebook, with one commenting: "So upsetting to read this! I have been immunosuppressed so couldn't come and have a coffee in Queens as often as I wanted to. I will truly miss this unique gem."
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