Gallery 36 in Malvern closes down due to utilities crisis

Gallery 36, which has been present in Belle Vue Terrace for the last six years, closed its doors for the final time on September 3.

Confirming the closure on Facebook, the restaurant's management said its most recent utilities bill had increased more than £50,000 per year, making it "untenable".

Their statement said: "We are very sad to have to inform you of the closure of Gallery 36. Our final day of trading was Saturday.

"As you will know, the spiralling costs in the hospitality industry have made the last few months extremely challenging, including a renewal quote of over £50,000 p/a increase in our utilities contract.

"Running the business in the current economic climate has become untenable."

At the time of writing, there were more than 175 comments on the restaurant's post, with diners expressing their sadness at its closure.

One, Pauline Wolfe, wrote: "I am very saddened by this news. We enjoyed eating at your restaurant and your service was always so friendly.

"The rise in your utility costs is shocking and scary and like others have said, I'm sure many more will be lost.

"Wishing you the best of luck in whatever you all do next."

The restaurant specialised in Mexican and Mediterranean dishes and was situated at the pedestrian crossing in Belle Vue Terrace, regularly serving food on its outdoor terrace on Belle Vue Island.

During the pandemic it operated a takeaway system for customers and helped provide free meals to children during school holidays in that time.

The Gallery 36 statement continued: "We are most grateful to everyone who has stepped through our little blue door over the last six year.

"Do please continue to support Malvern's remaining independent restaurants, cafes, bars and shops as they will need your custom over the next few months.

"Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we would like to thank our amazing team at Gallery 36 over the years who played an essential part in the success of the business."