The sudden closure of the award-winning Coventry restaurant, The Botanist, has sent shockwaves through the city. The popular venue, renowned for its biophilic design and high ratings, closed its doors unexpectedly on January 6th, leaving both patrons and employees taken aback, and in turn Coventry Live readers have taken to our comments section to have their say on the matter.
The once bustling eatery, which opened its doors on Broadgate in 2018, has been a favourite among locals for six years, boasting an impressive 4.2-star rating from over 2,400 Google reviews. It also clinched the top spot in the UK Biophilic Design category at the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards in 2019.
Now, the Cathedral Lanes-based building is up for lease on Rightmove, with an annual fee of £150,000.
One reader, Petebear writes: “More sadder that Snax in the City has closed. At least there, you don’t have to wait squashed at the bar for a drink, and these places like Cosy Club are delusional if they think it’s okay to charge people £3.95 for a cup of tea, Or £4.65 for a small half pint bottle of non-alcohol beer. I just gave up on the Cosy Club years ago, You could never get a seat at the best bit upstairs, because it was always closed. Instead, they expected you to sit around the edges in small airline style seats. The Cosy club will probably be next.”
TomMac believes: “If it isn’t student orientated then it will struggle in the City Centre. The Council are doing their best to keep car’s out. It is now (or will be if the Council have their way) a student only zone.”
Bobinder replies: “No big deal if it is student focused, That is why you have out of town shopping and entertainment venues. How can you encourage cars into the city centre when there is no infrastructure to handle the traffic? Get real and understand business, Students bring so much to the city, Behave brilliantly and have made Coventry renowned around the world as an education powerhouse. The city centre is far from perfect, Tell me which one is in this country!”
Philskey says: “Expensive place for a night out.”
Wler feels: “It won’t be the last small and medium-sized business in Coventry to cease trading! The overheads from Coventry Council are excessive putting to much pressure on traders, together with national insurance rises from the Labour government, absolutely crippling so expect this closure to be the thin end of the wedge!”
Bobinder writes: “Financially times are hard and may become harder still but I don’t think any political party has an easy answer. If a business cannot ride a change of government, they shouldn’t be in business.”
Music Man says: “Not much of a place if they didn’t let the staff know.”
Jony2508 comments: “I had an interview there, waited 45 minutes and no manager turned up. Good riddance to them.”
CovKidDave mentions: “So with the lease and service charge alone that’s nearly £200k/year then you’ve got energy, staffing etc. That’s a lot of covers needed just to cover costs.”
Paulh122 replies: “Exactly my thoughts. Turnover would need to be 10 times the rental/service charges. Rip-off property owners strike again.”
Beencalledworse joins in with: “And these are the people in charge (along with the Hill), who are in the midst of ripping the City Center south apart.”
Westorchards says: “The owning business is in trouble. Have closed four other venues in the North West and are hoping to arrange a CVA. Failing that, it will go into administration.”
Anne g murray writes: “Is it no wonder City centre has died when this is allowed happen. I for one do not and will not support any these restaurants and shops who don’t give toss about staff feelings. Support local restaurants I say.”
Carole adds: “Staff should have been informed of closure, surely they have rights.”
So will you miss The Botanist? Let us know in the comments below or HERE.