'We will miss you' - Nottingham reaction to World Service restaurant closure announcement

Birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, lunches, and nights out with beautiful food - Nottingham's fine dining restaurant World Service has been at the heart of so many special moments. But as co-owner Dan Lindsay has said, all good things must come to an end.

The surprise announcement about the impending closure has saddened diners who have walked through the iconic red archway, chefs, who honed their skills in the kitchen, and other hospitality businesses around Notts, who must be wondering what the future holds for them. The restaurant, a stalwart of Nottingham's food and drink scene for nearly 24 years at the 17th century Newdigate House in Castle Gate, just can't make fine dining work at an affordable price any longer.

Dining out habits have changed enormously since World Service opened in 2000. More and more often formal à la carte menus are being displaced by more casual menus of small plates, companies no longer have the budgets for business lunches, there's more competition out there and even the most discerning food lovers can't afford to eat out as often as they used to.

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Hundreds of people were shocked by the news of the closure of August 3 - the 24th anniversary. Nottingham actress Vicky McClure, the star of Line of Duty and Trigger Point, said: "This is very sad to hear! Thank you for so many delicious meals, top service and great memories over the years."

Chefs, whose early careers began in the World Service kitchen, paid tribute. Amongst them was Jack Pearce, who is now head chef at the Old Vol, in Caythorpe. He said: "Started my cheffing career here and had some amazing memories! So sad to see this happen."

Hira Thakur, head chef at Nottingham's newest fine dining restaurant Clever and Wake at the Island Quarter, said: "This is very sad to hear. It’s been great to be part of this incredible restaurant, so much great memories."

Hospitality businesses shared their sadness. Josephine's Tea Lounge and Bistro, in Upper Parliament Street, wrote: "Wow, this is very sad to hear. It's really hard for all hospitality businesses at the minute, especially independents. People please support your independent businesses in Nottingham to stop this keep happening."

Mark Osborne, a director of the Secret Pub Company chain of pubs including The Railway at Lowdham, said: "Defined the Nottingham scene for so long. What a proud achievement but sad news, there will be no more." Pete Hewitt, founder of Everyday People in Byard Lane, said: "Legends of the scene, what an incredible run, huge props to all of the team new and old."

Butler's Coffee House, which has branches in Bingham and Radcliffe-on-Trent, posted: "So sad to read this. But so many happy memories to recall. Thank you for an amazing 24 years!"

Food lovers who have dined there over the last two decades said they were gutted. Businesswoman Natalie Gasson-McKinley said: "Genuinely and truly gutted. From casual lunches and nights out with friends, to birthdays, an engagement photo shoot, the lunch after my wedding day, anniversaries and an MBE celebration, every important lunch or dinner has been celebrated through those iconic red doors.

"Hospitality has been brutal and I know it’s been difficult for people to go to the places they love, however I’ve remained a regular at World Service throughout. I’m so saddened that Nottingham is losing the brightest and most established jewel in its hospitality crown. Much love to you all."

Liz Cartwright, the founder of PR agency Cartwright Communications, commented: "Just the saddest news. The place of the happiest of memories, family times, boozy nights with friends, corporate events with limoncello roulette… and so much more. You will be so much missed."

Michaela Fixter posted: "To say I'm gutted is an understatement the best and only great restaurant in Nottingham perfect food perfect service, this follows Paris another amazing restaurant. What is happening to Nottingham?" Tracey Davies said: "Absolutely gutted - the best fine dining in Nottingham in my view - staff - atmosphere everything about World Service has been first class all these years and a sad loss for the city wishing all the team and in particular Dan, John and of course Sandra all the best for the future."

The restaurant holds special memories for Natalie Thackham, who said: "So so sad... my now husband proposed to me here. We love everything about this gorgeous restaurant."

Not everyone was so complimentary. Alexa Smith wrote "That's disappointing but it had gone downhill."