Chester is a city steeped in history and charm, has long been a bustling hub for tourists and locals alike. However, the recent closures of beloved establishments such as the Henry Potts and Boheme paint a stark picture of the struggles facing the hospitality industry here.
As a hotel owner in Chester, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that have led to these closures and though it is terribly upsetting it is not surprising, with the demand in rising costs of bills and rent it has never been as hard as it has right now to keep a business running.
Henry Potts opened in June 2022, located next to Chester Racecourse. On Thursday 4th July the restaurant released a statement on social media saying their farewells. Jeremy Brunning, the pubs boss, claimed that the work-from-home culture that has grown since covid is a resulted in a massive hit to hospitality venues. It has significantly reduced foot traffic and transformed Chester into a “ghost town”.
In Henry Potts statement they also claim that exorbitant electricity bills as a primary reason for the closure and though they were a busy establishment during their time open they needed to be busier to match such bills.
As a fellow business owner, I empathize with Jeremy’s frustration. The decline in daily commuters has had a profound impact on local businesses, especially those relying on steady lunchtime and after-work crowds. Let us not be mistaken that in pre-covid times, Chester boasted footfall of more than 21m a year, this last year fell as low as 17+m. It is times like these where our local and national government need to look at alternative ways to help local businesses succeed.
Boheme, located on Bridge Street, launched in February with much anticipation. In its short five-month tenure, it became one of the city’s most popular spots, heavily booked every weekend, even earning a mention in the Michelin Guide.
Despite its success and dedicated customer base, Boheme announced its closure with a heartfelt message of gratitude and reflection. The team emphasized the cherished memories and friendships formed during their time in business.
The closure of Boheme is particularly shocking with its so recent opening. It underscores how even the most promising ventures, with strong customer support and critical acclaim, are not immune to the harsh economic realities facing our industry.
These closure represents not just a business loss but also a cultural and social one. Pubs, restaurants, and cafes are more than just places to eat and drink; they are community hubs where relationships are built, and memories are made.
As I sit here writing this, a wave of emotions washes over me as I reflect on the incredible, unique, and local businesses we have in Chester, all striving to survive. It’s essential for us to come together and support these businesses.
I additionally passionately plead to fellow business owners however, about the need for us to take a bigger lead in the need to promote Chester as a great destination, my personal plea is the need for us to undertake an Accommodation BID, similar to Manchester – however support still is not fully on board as yet, but we will be pushing on this for the remainder of 2024.
Now, more than ever, it is crucial to support local businesses. Whether it’s dining out, attending events, or simply spreading the word, every action counts.
Business owners must come together to share resources, ideas, and strategies to navigate these challenging times.
Local and national governments need to recognize the unique challenges facing the hospitality sector and provide targeted support to help businesses survive and thrive.
The closures of Henry Potts and Boheme are a sobering reminder of the challenges facing the hospitality industry in Chester. However, they also serve as a call to action.
By supporting our local businesses and fostering a sense of community, we can work towards a brighter future for our beloved city.
As a hotel owner who shares these struggles, I remain hopeful and committed to seeing Chester flourish once again.
If you are passionate about the hospitality industry, then join our free online community –https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehospitalityheroeshub
I’d also love for you to connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-hesketh-mih-301a3714/ Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How have you seen Chester change, and what do you think we can do to support our local businesses? Let’s keep the conversation going and work together to revive our city.
