The owners of a leading Brighton and Hove restaurant have announced “with heavy hearts” that they will be closing their very first restaurant after 28 years. The Michelin Guide restaurant has been operating since 1998 but has now said it will be soon closing its doors for good due to “rising costs” that have made it “impossible” for them to continue. The decision was described as “heartbreaking” and “difficult” to make by owners Pamela and Ben McKellar.

Located just off Norfolk Square in Brighton, the Gingerman became the flagship of the Gingerman Group and built a strong reputation for refined modern cooking in an intimate neighbourhood setting. The restaurant is listed in the Michelin Guide and recently featured in the Michelin Guide “Best Restaurants in Brighton & Hove.” The guide described the restaurant as a “long-standing neighbourhood restaurant a short way from the sea with a “slight Scandic look and an intimate feel,” praising it for its “understated modern dishes” that “provide plenty of appeal and have an unforced natural style and good clarity of flavour.”

Over its 28-year history, many credit the restaurant with helping establish Brighton and Hove as a serious food destination.

In a post shared on social media, owners Pamela and Ben McKellar said this was a “difficult decision” they “had to make.”

The owners blamed Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s two budgets for increasing the cost of running the restaurant. These have led to increases in employer National Insurance contributions, the National Living Wage and business rates. Businesses have warned they will struggle to absorb the extra costs after Covid-era rates relief ends in April and properties are revalued.

Pamela McKellar said: “Sadly, we are going to have to close.

“We can’t afford all the increases that have happened. The last two budgets have absolutely killed us and then the rates go up in April and that’s the final nail in the coffin for a tiny restaurant that cooks everything from scratch with great produce from local suppliers.”

Ben McKellar continued: “There’s only a certain amount of money you can take in a 30-seater restaurant, with all the costs going up and the tax burden going up, and it’s just not sustainable for small independent restaurants.

“We know other people are struggling. It’s a tough time. You are not alone.”

The owners also wrote in the description: “After 28 incredible years, we’re sharing something we never thought we’d have to say. With heavy hearts, we are announcing the closure of our very first restaurant, Gingerman.

“What Gingerman became over the years is all because of you. Our guests, supporters and friends. You filled our tables with laughter, celebrated life’s milestones with us, and made the restaurant feel like home.

“We also want to thank every single team member we’ve had the privilege of working with. Your passion, care and talent shaped Gingerman into what it is today. From kitchen to front of house, you brought it all to life.

“For nearly three decades, we’ve been proud to be part of Brighton’s food scene. Any impact we’ve had is only because of your support, loyalty and the friendships we’ve built along the way. You kept coming back, championed us, and made this journey far more than we ever imagined.

“Like many in our industry, the rising costs of running a restaurant have made it impossible for our small 30-seater to continue. This decision has not been made lightly, and it comes with real heartbreak.”

Mrs and Mr McKellar said they will not close the restaurant immediately, giving customers the chance to visit one last time and say a final goodbye before it closes for good.

“We won’t be closing immediately, but we will be closing our doors for the final time over the coming months. Before we do, we want to take this time to say a proper Gingerman goodbye. We’d love to welcome as many of you as possible in the weeks ahead, to share a meal, a glass, and a few memories together before we say farewell.

“Despite this sad closure, we want to share that we remain incredibly invested in and excited about the future of The Flint House, The Ginger Pig, and The Ginger Fox. We look forward to continuing to welcome you there and creating many more memorable experiences together.”

Gingerman, in Norfolk Square, Brighton, opened back in 1998 and was the flagship store for the Gingerman restaurant group. The group runs three other sites across Sussex: The Flinthouse in Brighton, The Ginger Pig in Hove, and The Ginger Fox in Muddleswood.

Many have reacted to the news in the comment section.

One person wrote: “Pam and Ben heartbreaking to see this. Be so proud of the magic you have created and know that everyone you’ve welcomed as customers has the utmost love and respect for you and your incredible teams. Also good to remind us all that we must support our local hospitality venues.”

Another customer said: “This is so sad.” Someone else added: “I’m so sad to hear this. How can the hospitality sector survive with the pressure it is under?”