"I may well be down, but I'm not out": Chef Simon Wood shares heartbreaking statement after shock closure of restaurant

Acclaimed chef Simon Wood has issued a heartbreaking statement and slammed those who 'stuck the boot in while I'm down' after the shock closure of his beloved Manchester restaurant.

The MasterChef star announced on Wednesday (October 2) that he had closed his Manchester restaurant WOOD with immediate effect. The announcement came just days after he hit out at no-show diners.

In a statement posted on social media, the chef said he was 'very proud' of what he and his team at WOOD had achieved, but said that Covid rent arrears being 'demanded' by his landlord, along with energy increases, ingredient costs and 'spiralling' business rates made running the business untenable.

READ MORE MasterChef co-host leads messages of support as Simon Wood closes 'special' Manchester restaurant

In a new statement on X, the chef, who opened his fine dining restaurant on Manchester's First Street back in 2017, revealed that people had 'stuck the boot in' with 'unnecessary words' following the announcement of his venue's closure, as he emotionally vowed he was 'down, but not out'.

"Thank you to everyone for the messages of support I’ve received today," he penned. "Also, thanks to those who have stuck the boot in while I’m down, either with unnecessary words or deafening silence."

"I may well be down, but I’m not out, and I really do appreciate the motivation," he added.

The former MasterChef champion opened the venue in 2017 - and it went on to become one of the most recognisable fine dining venues in Manchester due to its tasting sections and varied a la carte menus.

Sacha Lord, Manchester’s Night Time Economy Adviser, described the news of WOOD’s closing as a ‘huge loss for Manchester’.

Announcing the news on Wednesday, a statement shared by the acclaimed chef read: "Dear Friends, Customers and Suppliers of WOOD Manchester.

"It is with much regret that I have to inform you that I must close the doors here at WOOD for good, with immediate effect. We have had 7 years as part of the Manchester City dining scene and I'm very proud of what the team and I have achieved."

Chef John Torode, who has co-hosted BBC’s MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace since 2005, posted: “Well you did all you could. You are a brave man. Stay strong and so sorry to hear that it’s all to do with landlords.”

In a message to Simon, Sacha Lord posted on Instagram: “If you can’t make it, God help many others. Thank you for everything you have done behind the scenes for the sector. You and your team will be back, I have no doubt. I’m proud to call you a friend.”