Electrical issues force Tim Allen's Flitch of Bacon to close

Michelin-starred pub Tim Allen's Flitch of Bacon has been forced to close until further notice due to ongoing electrical issues.

 

The pub, in Little Dunmow, Essex, has been closed for four weeks with no date set for UK Power Networks to complete the works needed for it to reopen.

 

Chef-partner Tim Allen told The Caterer that power had been cutting out intermittently, often in the middle of service, leaving the kitchen unable to function.

 

He explained: "As we've got busier and busier through the year we've had more and more issues with the electrics. We've been shut for four weeks, and in the weeks prior it just kept getting worse and worse.

 

"Closing is not a decision I've taken lightly, I've had to cancel thousands of reservations, but you can't keep opening a restaurant for the power to go off halfway through service. It's one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to take. But I had to take it and it was taken for the right reason."

 

The forced closure comes just five months after the pub was awarded a Michelin star, which resulted in a rush of bookings. Allen added: "For us, it's heartbreaking. We were fully booked every service and turning people away. To go from that to this is horrendous. The team have worked so hard over the last 13 months to get the business where it was, we just don't need this."

 

It's not just the loss in revenue that is causing anguish. Allen has also lost team members due to the closure and is unable to give customers whose bookings have had to be cancelled an idea of when the doors will open again.

 

Before UK Power Networks start resolving the issue a quote will need to be received, approved and paid up-front.

 

A spokesperson for UK Power Networks said: "We have worked with the customer and offered a range of design options and quotes for the work. We appreciate the urgency of their requirements and look forward to hearing from them to progress the project."

 

But, Allen and his business partner have disputed the claims of UK Power Networks, who they say have failed to provide a final quote despite carrying out a survey almost two weeks ago.

 

UK Power Networks added: "When planning to alter a property or start a building project, people should always remember to consider that the utility services may need upgrading to ensure adequate supply for the premises' intended purpose. All customers can apply for an upgraded electricity connection, either from their network operator or other companies."

 

After The Caterer's article went to press Allen said his business partner received a call from UK Power Networks saying the final quote would be with them by tomorrow morning (2 April).

 

The Flitch of Bacon incorporates a 20-cover bar, a 44-seat restaurant and outdoor dining space for 40, as well as three rooms.

 

Allen previously headed up the Wild Rabbit in Kingham, Oxfordshire, which was awarded a Michelin star in 2017. Prior to that, he was chef-patron at D&D London's Launceston Place, which went on to win four AA rosettes and a Michelin star.

 

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