‘Industry under attack’: Alchemilla chef patron shutters fried chicken spin-off

Chef  Alex Bond of Michelin-starred Alchemilla in Nottingham has made the “incredibly difficult decision” to close spin-off concept Mollis Fried Chicken next month.

Speaking to The Caterer, Bond said “it feels like our industry is under attack” as he confirmed the closure of his fried chicken restaurant, which opened next to Michelin-starred Alchemilla in late 2022 following a successful crowdfunding campaign. 

“We pay an unfair amount of VAT in a system that seems rigged against us,” said Bond.

He added that costs ranging from rising business rates, “sky-high and potentially even higher energy prices”, increased minimum wage costs alongside pension and National Insurance contributions and food costs increasing almost weekly had made continuing operations at Mollis financially unviable.

“Mix all that with a stagnated economy where everyone has less disposable income and, excuse the pun, but you have a recipe for disaster,” he said.

“Our industry contributes billions to the economy every year, but it seems as loud as we shout nobody in government wants to listen – because I know they can hear us.”

In an Instagram post, the chef said Mollis will hold its final service on 16 May after “some really hard months”.

He added: “This has been one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. Mollis has been more than just a project, it’s been a space to create some insane flavours, to push ideas, and to build something with real personality.

“I’m so proud of our amazing team and all the time and effort they have put in. From the food to the energy, it’s always come from a genuine place, and that’s something I’ll always be proud of. To everyone who’s come down, supported us, shared a meal, or sank a cocktail, thank you. Your support means the world.”

Bond launched Alchemilla in 2017 and it secured a Michelin star in 2020.

The chef has worked in kitchens including the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham; Auberge du Lac in Welwyn, Hertfordshire; Turners at 69 in Birmingham; and the Wild Rabbit in Kingham, Oxfordshire.

Figures from NIQ found that ‘soaring costs’ have driven hospitality closures up to three a day in the first quarter of this year.