Food for thought Restaurant blames cost-of-living crisis for shock closure

A BRUNCH spot in Stokes Croft closed its doors for the final time this week, after just a year of being open. Hot-plate, which is located at The Carriage Works building, shared a post to Instagram to inform its fans and customers of its decision.

- Ellie KENDALL

The post said: “Hotplate is closing - thank you for being part of it. After a year of trading, we've made the incredibly difficult decision to close Hotplate. Our final day of service will be Sunday, June 29.

“Like so many independent hospitality venues across the UK, we've faced a tough environment - rising costs, unpredictable footfall, and a cost-of-living crisis that’s hit the whole industry hard.

“Over 2,000 restaurants closed in the UK last year alone. We've done everything we can to make Hotplate work, but ultimately it hasn’t gained the traction needed to remain sustainable.