Chorlton favourite The Lead Station to close on Tuesdays due to chef shortage 'caused by Brexit'
09.06.2022 - 15:37
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Chorlton favourite The Lead Station has taken the decision to close on Tuesdays due to the ‘exceptional’ challenges currently being faced by the restaurant business. The popular neighbourhood restaurant, on Beech Road, has opened seven days a week for 26 years.
Owner Nick De Souza, who’s run the bar and bistro since 2007, informed locals that they wouldn’t be opening on Tuesdays for the foreseeable future with a sign posted on the front door this week.
“For 26 years, save for the ping and pandemics, we have opened every day, to serve our loyal and lovely guests. But exceptional times need exceptional measures,” he said in the note.
“I am sorry to say that despite the relentless and tireless work of the team, due to shortages, I have made the difficult decision to close on Tuesdays for the foreseeable future.
“This is in order to give my team a deserved break and time to rest. We simply cannot operate as normal given the personnel shortages afflicting us and our industry. Everything you might hear about our sector and the difficulties in trying to operate normally at present, is true.
“We are not alone as an industry, but we are disproportionately affected by the headwinds blowing. The Brexit bonfire is raging and burning our prospects; the pandemic only added fuel to that fire.”
He also used the note to appeal for anyone looking for work to get in touch, adding that ‘my team are amazing, resilient and determined. We have bound together over the last few years and will continue to, but we need to build the side’.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, De Souza, who also owns Tariff & Dale in the Northern Quarter, cited the desperate shortage of chefs in Manchester hospitality as the main reason for the weeknight