A POPULAR restaurant in Stockton Heath has announced it is closed in a heartfelt statement.

Terrace Bistro, located on London Road, advertises itself as a locally owned and operated business, using simple, fresh ingredients showcasing the very best of local and seasonal produce.

After opening in 2019, it topped Tripadvisor's list of the best rated restaurants in Cheshire, overcoming more than 2,200 other businesses.

However, rising costs during the cost of living crisis, the impact of the Covid pandemic and some ‘life-changing’ personal circumstances have led to the closure.

In a statement, the owners said: “After much deliberation, sleepless nights and countless discussions, it is with an incredibly heavy heart that we announce the closure of the Terrace Bistro.

Warrington Guardian: Terrace Bistro on London Road in Stockton Heath (Image: Google Maps)Terrace Bistro on London Road in Stockton Heath (Image: Google Maps) (Image: Google Maps)

“With the current climate and uncertainty we are facing, we simply cannot continue at the standard we want, or the standard we originally set ourselves without outpricing our customers.

“That, with some truly life-changing personal challenges we have faced this past month, tells us life is too short to be consumed with running a business that simply is not working following covid.

“Consumer habits have changed, expectation has changed, and we feel we have come to the end of our journey.

“Operating a small independent business in the village where we grew up was a dream, and prior to covid, a success.

Warrington Guardian:

“With the ridiculous increases in all our costs, particularly food, liquor and utilities, plus the uncertain future we are all facing, we have no choice but to close the doors on what was this dream.”

It was revealed that Terrace’s weekly takings are down circa-£8,000, yet weekly costs are rising at an ‘unmanageable pace’, with the electricity bill alone costing £1,800 last week.

Owners say this does not even take into account the bounce-back loan that they need to start repaying now.

“Our team have been nothing short of amazing; every single one of them that we are so proud of,” the statement adds.

Warrington Guardian:

“To those that we have let down, we are so sorry that this adventure has come to an end.

“To those that we have accounts with, we are working closely with advisors to make this process as simple as possible so everyone gets what they are owed.

“To our amazingly loyal customers, we have loved every moment of welcoming you to our restaurant; we have shared stories, we have laughed, we have cried, we have drank copious amounts of wine and I hope we will remain friends forever.

“Thanks for everything, to our team, to our customers, to our suppliers and to our family and friends.”