Former one-Michelin-starred Cambridge restaurant Alimentum ‘closed'

Alimentum, the formerly one-Michelin-starred Cambridge restaurant, has closed after experiencing financial difficulties, a statement from the restaurant's Twitter account has claimed.

A statement written by head chef Samira Effa reads: "Since being asked to return to Alimentum in January it has been a battle to try and make it a profitable business again.

"The restaurant and kitchen are in a state of disrepair and need extensive maintenance and refurbishment desperately. For many years customers have been leaving feedback stating that the décor of the restaurant needs improvement. However, the owners have decided they do not want to put any more money into the restaurant and have chosen instead to close with immediate effect, leaving all staff redundant."

The Alimentum Twitter account has since been deleted. Earlier general manager John Moss said "the owners have hijacked the Twitter in order to hide the fact they are not going to pay their former staff".

Effa claimed in the post that employees would not be paid wages owed, before going on to thank the restaurant's staff, suppliers and guests, finishing the post by writing "now, on to bigger and better things".

The Caterer has reached out to owners Paul Gambley and Gary Randall for comment.

The restaurant had gained one star under then chef patron Mark Poynton in 2012, but this was removed in the 2018 guide. Poynton left the restaurant earlier this year to pursue other opportunities. On Twitter he said the closure was a "sad day for the Cambridge dining scene".

The restaurant continued on with John Moss as general manager and Effa as head chef.

More recently the site was given a one star hygiene rating by Environmental Health inspectors.

2019 Acorn Scholarship open for entries: nominate your high-achiever now!