Damian Wawrzyniak to close House of Feasts as cost of living crisis bites

Damian Wawrzyniak will close his Peterborough restaurant House of Feasts in August amid the cost of living crisis, spiralling energy bills and staffing issues.

The chef said his last service at the site, which he opened in 2017, will be 21 August, unless an investor comes forward to support the business through this challenging period.

He told The Caterer: “It was not an easy decision, but we’ve tried everything. Due to rising costs, energy and everything we have no other choice. If we’re going to have six to eight months like this, we’re just going to create more debt. I’m sad but I can’t continue because I will make more problems.”

The chef said his lease is coming up for renewal and predicted that it will be next year at the earliest before conditions will stabilise and allow the restaurant to return to profit.

He added: “We created an amazing business. Last year this place was absolutely buzzing, we had 100 for lunch, 100 for dinner, once we had 600 people in the garden. This year is different. Cost of living is the main reason, but number two is that after two years of no holidays, people are using their disposable income to go on holidays. I think this summer is not going to be good and that’s why I have taken this very hard decision. The 21 August will be the last service unless someone calls interested in the business.”

The chef said the response from the local community has been phenomenal since he announced his plans to close the site. He has launched a gofundme campaign to support the business in the short-term, but said this will not allow him to stay open long-term.

Earlier this week Wawrzyniak launched a nationwide £5 ready-made meal delivery service designed to help cash-strapped customers with no time to cook.