Celebrity chef Simon Rimmer’s restaurant chain has collapsed with debts of more than £500,000, new documents reveal.
The Sunday Brunch star closed both branches of Greens earlier this year, accusing the landlord of increasing the rent by a third and making his business unviable.
The leading chef opened his first branch in Didsbury, Greater Manchester, 34 years ago and was considered a pioneer in vegan and vegetarian cuisine.
But he announced a surprise shutdown in January, followed by shutting down Sale’s sister site, which just opened in 2022, in September.
Documents have now revealed the company has outstanding debts of more than £500,000. According to submissions to Companies House, HMRC must pay an estimated £458,873 in unpaid VAT and PAYE.
Royal Bank of Scotland was owed £13,164 and trade creditors such as suppliers and vendors were owed an estimated £75,000.
Costumers also faced expenses, with those who paid for vouchers and gift cards owed £35,790.
Rimmer said in the video that the landlord had increased the Greens’ rent by 35 percent. Companies will also have to pay for higher energy, labor and supply costs, he added.
Rimmer and business partner Simon Connolly opened Greens in Didsbury, Greater Manchester, in 1990.
Documents after the chain collapse reveal how the Green Party collapsed, showing it had more than £500,000 in unpaid debts
Mr Begbies-Traynor said it was unlikely that sufficient funds would be recovered to repay these creditors through the administration process. In total, the chain had debts of £552,113.
The company was incorporated in 2011 with capital investment from John Redeyoff and plans to open additional locations.
The restaurant was expanded twice, in both 2003 and 2008, to make room for more guests.
During this time, business was thriving and profitable. I was able to earn around £150,000 in cash over the course of a year.
“Several locations were considered, but it wasn’t until 2021, shortly after the coronavirus lockdown, that we found a suitable location for sale.”
It added: “The directors have decided to close the Didsbury site at the end of 2023 in order to focus on a larger site which we believe has greater potential.”
“Greens Sale’s sales forecasts were too ambitious and it took too long to adjust its cost base to actual sales.” The increase was a factor.
“Although a further cash injection (approximately £200,000) was made by former directors/shareholders, the debt ultimately incurred could not be resolved through the trade.
Simon Rimmer is best known for hosting Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch alongside Tim Lovejoy.
The menu was a mix of large and small dishes.
Breakfast dish that is one of the menus at Green’s
“In September 2024, the remaining directors accepted that they were unable to pay their outstanding debts either through a transaction or through a payment deadline system and that it was their responsibility to enter responsible administration.”
Mr Rimmer opened the restaurant 34 years ago with business partner Simon Connolly and advertised it with the slogan “The scariest carnivore since 1990”.
The menu consisted of dishes both large and small, with the cheapest item being a vegetarian black pudding at £4.50 and the most expensive being a falafel burger at £14.50.
“Today is a very sad day,” Rimmer said in a video message announcing the closure. After 33 years of running Greens in Didsbury, we have unfortunately had to close our doors.
“Our landlord has increased the rent by 35 percent (in range) and the cost of raw materials, utilities, utilities, employment and general food costs have unfortunately made our business unviable.”
“Unfortunately, we have to close our doors with immediate effect. This is a heartbreaking day.
“To all the staff who have worked for us over the years, to all the customers who have walked through the door, to our wonderful suppliers, to our neighbors, to our friends, to all the people who have walked in the door. I would like to thank everyone who has been there.”
“I can’t believe I’m actually sending this message. Much love. Thank you for the past 33 years. I hope to see you at the sale, if not here. Much love.”
A representative for Simon Rimmer has been contacted for comment.
Green’s isn’t the first restaurant to be affected by rising costs. Research carried out last year found that the number of hospitality establishments in the UK had fallen by 4.3 per cent, equivalent to 12 closures per day.
As previously reported, customers with vouchers for Chef Glyn Purnell’s restaurant were told they would not receive a refund after the restaurant closed in October.
Parnell’s in Birmingham was awarded a Michelin star a year after opening in 2007, but closed on October 12th.
Customer Therese Roberts bought £250 worth of vouchers as Christmas presents for her two children and their spouses last year.
My daughter had made dinner reservations for October 23rd, but found out the restaurant was closed due to a news article.