A much-loved restaurant in Spitalfields is set to close amid the ‘rising cost crisis’ affecting London hospitality venues. Unity Diner will serve its end customers on February 1 after its owners decided they could not afford a proposed rent increase.
The Wentworth Street location is known for its all-vegan menu and will remain open throughout Veganuary to raise money for animal charity Surge Sanctuary. The restaurant, first launched by activist Ed Winters in 2018, proved popular and moved from its original smaller location in Hoxton to keep up with demand.
A statement posted on Instagram yesterday (December 30) warned that it is just one of many venues struggling to survive. It read: “Sadly we have not been spared the financial situation affecting the hospitality sector here in the UK, and with costs skyrocketing since Covid and our landlords now looking to raise the rent, it is sadly time for us to call it a day.
“Restaurant closings are at their highest level in more than a decade. A total of 1,409 closed their doors in the year ending September 2024, up from 1,180 in the previous 12 months.
“The state of hospitality in the UK at the moment is beyond anything we could have expected. We are proud to have fought through it for so long.”
It went on to thank the “incredibly supportive” vegan community and “loyal team” before encouraging everyone to enjoy one last tofish and chips. News of Unity Diner’s closing has left many of its 40,000 Instagram followers devastated, with many saying it has become a favorite spot for them.
One disappointed customer commented: “This is so sad to hear. I know from personal experience running a cafe that times are tough and we should all remember to support our local independents.”
Another wrote: “We loved your place when we visited London. Going again this summer and sorry we won’t be able to dine with you,” with a third adding: “This has been one of my favorite restaurants for years and it has brought me and my friends/family SO much joy. Super sad to see you go!”
Michelin-starred chef Alexis Gauthier also offered to help the owners stay open, calling the decision to close “so, so sad”. An increase in the cost of ingredients and tools in recent years has defeated several of London’s restaurants, cafes and bars in 2024.
Tottenham brewery ORA took its last pint in November after facing “increasing pressure”, while seafood experts Shell Co docked its critically acclaimed floating restaurant concept due to problems arising from the cost of living crisis.
Steakhouse Temper also closed its Shoreditch, Paddington and White City branches a month ago after operating company Casper & Cole went into administration.
You can visit Unity Diner at 60 Wentworth Street when it reopens on January 7th until its last day on February 1st.
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