Sustainability-focused restaurant Kindle in Cardiff the latest to close due to 'industry struggles'

Sustainability-focused restaurant Kindle in Cardiff is to close having succumbed to the pressure of “the current industry struggles”.

Owners Phil and Deb Lewis said the restaurant’s final service would be on Sunday 7 January.

In an Instagram post the pair said: “We have worked tirelessly to create a beautiful, sustainable restaurant in the city, but due to a number factors currently being experienced by the industry as a whole, we cannot maintain any longer.

“We are extremely proud of our achievement in transforming the old abandoned building, serving thousands of people during its time, being recognised across the country for good food and for all our team members tireless contribution and effort along Kindle’s journey.”

They added: “This decision is in no way a reflection of the outstanding food produced by the kitchen team or sensational service by the front of house team, but a reflection of the current industry struggles and a worrying pattern as we see multiple business closures up and down the country.”

Kindle opened in 2019 following a Kickstarter campaign that raised an initial £43,000, which bolstered an investment of more than £350,000 by the founders to transform the run-down former warden's cottage in Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.

The offer combined ‘fire food' with natural wines in an informal setting, with an emphasis on working with local producers. At the time Phil said: "Our vision was to create a restaurant that gives back more than it takes from the environment, and to challenge what it really means to create a sustainable hospitality business from scratch."

Phil and Deb said they would continue to work with those local producers to minimise the impact of the closure.

They added: “We are working hard to minimise any negative impact of the closure, so in order that we can look after our suppliers and staff or if you’ve always been meaning to visit but haven’t managed to yet, why not wrap up and come grab one last meal at Kindle this weekend whilst also making use of any gift vouchers that were purchased.”