Masterchef winner Mat Follas closes the Wild Garlic

Former Masterchef winner Mat Follas has announced the closure of his restaurant, the Wild Garlic in Iwerne Minster, Dorset.

Follas (pictured), who won the TV competition in 2009, relocated the business from its original site in Beaminster to a Hall & Woodhouse pub at the Talbot Inn in Iwerne Minster in April this year.

At the time, he told Caterer and Hotelkeeper that the plan was to grow the business - the new site would have five rooms and would trade as a seven-day bar and grill operation offering pub and bistro food, as well as a separate space running courses in the daytime, and an evening restaurant.

But today he took to Twitter to announce that the business has shut its doors: "I'm frustrated and deeply saddened to announce the closure of the Wild Garlic for the foreseeable future."

He added: "Lots of sorting out to be done, my pockets weren't deep enough sadly although we are still in discussions with partners."

Meanwhile, the restaurant's website also states that it is closed, and thanked customers for their business over the past four and a half years.

Follas was not immediately available for comment.

http://www.catererandhotelkeeper.co.uk/Articles/4/4/2013/348037/mat-follas-to-name-new-site-the-wild-garlic-at-the-talbot-inn.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">MasterChef winner Mat Follas to move Wild Garlic to Hall and Woodhouse pub >>](http://www.catererandhotelkeeper.co.uk/Articles/3/4/2013/348011/masterchef-winner-mat-follas-to-move-wild-garlic-to-hall-and-woodhouse-pub.htm)

[Mat Follas to name new site The Wild Garlic at the Talbot Inn >>