A popular Cardiff restaurant has spoken about the challenges facing the industry at the moment, saying that "the energy to fight our way out just isn't there". Nook, based on Cowbridge Road East in Cardiff, posted across their social media channels, encouraging people to "spread the word, [and] don't forget about us."
The restaurant opened in August of 2019 and had to downsize to serve takeaways during the pandemic. Specialising in small plates, local produce, and natural wines, Nook built a cult following and soon became one of those places everyone seemed to be talking about.
"Trying to remain positive and have a good outlook for the future but our covers are down, the mood in camp is low, the industry is tired and the energy required to fight our way out just isn’t there. COVID was hard, lockdown after lockdown knocked this little joint, the industry is on its knees, a lack of staff, rising energy bills, increased VAT, cost of living crisis, no financial support available BLAH BLAH BLAH," the post read.
"It just goes on to the point where we now don’t know what to do. Do we shut up shop and reinvent the offering? Or do we push and push and push; but to what gain? We know our food offering is good, we know our drinks are gooooood, we know our jazz hand staff kick ass but at the end of the day it’s getting harder for us.
"When I say us I mean the family behind it all, the team and the owners. We need to call on you guys. Talk about us to people you love (and your other independents for that matter), spread the word, don’t forget about us." Despite the difficulties presented by the Coronavirus pandemic, Nook made it into the Michelin guide last year and went on to host pop-up 'Nook by the River' for two years running, selling out in minutes the first time they hosted the event by Llandaff Rowing Club.
The restaurant's post comes as two independent restaurants in Cardiff announced their closure over the past week. The Lazy Leek, an independent vegan burger takeaway based in Pontcanna, announced that they would be closing after four years of trade. Got No Beef, another vegan burger joint, also recently announced that they had closed.
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