A celebrity chef’s restaurants collapsed earlier this year owing more than £500,000 in debt, new documents have revealed.
Simon Rimmer’s first Greens branch in Didsbury, Greater Manchester was in business for 33 years before it and the second of his two sites were forced to close earlier in 2024.
When the top chef announced it he blamed landlords hiking his rent by more than a third for the decision, declaring the increased costs rendered the business ‘unviable’.
Didsbury was the first restaurant to close, before the other site, in Sale – which had only opened in 2022 – also shut in September this year.
Now documents reveal how Greens collapsed and show it had debts of more than half a million pounds.
It shows that HMRC is owed an estimated £458,873 in unpaid VAT and PAYE.
Royal Bank of Scotland was owed £13,164 while Trade creditors – like suppliers or vendors – were owed an estimated £75,000.
Costumers were also left out of pocket with those who paid paid for vouchers and gift cards being owed £35,790.
Rimmer said in a video that landlords had hiked the rent at Greens by 35 per cent; rising energy, staff and supply costs also put paid to the business, he added
Rimmer and business partner Simon Connolly opened Greens in Didsbury, Greater Manchester in 1990
Now documents, after the chain’s collapse, reveals how Greens collapsed and shows it had more than half a million pounds in unpaid debt
Begbies Traynor has said there won’t be enough money recovered through the administration process to pay anything back to these creditors.
All in all, the chain owed £552,113, documents show.
The company was incorporated in 2011 with capital investment from John Redeyoff with the plan being to open further sites.
The eatery was expanded twice to make space for more guests, in both 2003 and 2008.
During this time, the business was doing well and being profitable – in one year cashing in around £150,000.
It goes on to say: ‘Though several sites were considered, it wasn’t until 2021, shortly after Covid lockdowns that a seemingly suitable site was found in Sale.’
It added: ‘The directors decided to close the Didsbury site at the end of 2023 to concentrate on the larger site that was deemed to have more potential.
‘Sales projections for Greens Sale were over ambitious, and it took too long to adjust cost base to actual turnover. Opening at the start of a financial crisis, cost of living spike and increased mortgage interest rates were contributing factors.
‘Further cash injections were made by former directors/shareholders (of around £200k), but ultimately the debt accrued could not be settled through trade.
Simon Rimmer is best known for presenting Sunday Brunch on Channel 4 alongside Tim Lovejoy
‘In September 2024 the remaining directors accepted that the outstanding debt could not be paid through either trading or time to pay schemes and the responsible thing to do was go into administration.’
Mr Rimmer opened the restaurant with business partner Simon Connolly 33 years ago, advertising it with the slogan: ‘Terrifying carnivores since 1990’.
The menu was made up of a mix of small and large dishes, with its cheapest item being vegetarian black pudding at £4.50 while its most expensive item is falafel burger for £14.50.
In the video message, Rimmer said: ‘This is a very sad day. After 33 years of running Greens in Didsbury, we’ve unfortunately had to close the door.
‘Our landlords have increased our rent by (within) the region of 35 per cent, the cost of raw materials, the cost of heat, light and power, employing people and general food costs have meant that the business unfortunately has become unviable.
‘With immediately effect we’ve unfortunately shut the door. it’s a heartbreaking day.
‘I’d like to thank every single member of staff that has worked for us over the years, every single customer that has come through the door, our amazing suppliers, our neighbours, our friends and anybody who has ever set foot inside the door.
‘I can’t believe I’m actually doing this message. Big love. Thank you for the last 33 years – and hopefully we’ll see you in Sale, if not here. Lots of love.’
Simon Rimmer’s representatives was approached for comment.
Greens is far from the first eatery to be impacted by rising costs; an investigation conducted last year found that the number of hospitality venues in Britain has shrunk by 4.3 per cent, equivalent to 12 closures a day.
As previously reported, diners with vouchers for Chef Glynn Purnell’s restaurant were told they wouldn’t be given a refund after the restaurant closed in October.
Purnell’s, in Birmingham, was awarded a Michelin star a year after it opened in 2007 but closed its doors for the final time on October 12.
Customer Therese Roberts bought £250 vouchers for her two children and their spouses as Christmas presents last year.
Her daughter had booked dinner for October 23 – however, she found the restaurant had closed due to a news article.