MasterChef star Monica Galetti has made the heart-wrenching decision to close her London restaurant, Mere, as the hospitality industry grapples with the fallout from post-Brexit rules. Established just over six years ago with her husband David, Mere has struggled to sustain itself amid the tightening regulations and economic pressure.
On April 10, Galetti broke the news to her patrons, stating, "It is with heavy hearts we announce the closure of Mere restaurant - but we feel this is the right time after 7 years!” The final service is scheduled for April 16, marking the end of what many have described as an elegant dining experience focused on South Pacific and French cuisines.
The restaurant, named after Galetti's mother, received accolades, including being listed as "recommended" by the Michelin Guide, one step below the coveted Michelin star. But even such recognition hasn't shielded it from the harsh reality currently facing the UK's hospitality sector.
Many within the industry have reported feeling the brunt of stringent post-Brexit regulations. Just recently, new rules came to pass, significantly raising the minimum salary requirement for skilled work visas from £26,000 to £38,700, which is beyond what most hospitality venues can accommodate. With many Italian waiters suddenly barred from employment due to these changes, the situation has become dire.
Industry statistics reveal alarming trends. For example, between 2021 and 2022, over 10 restaurants closed every day. The number of licensed premises dipped from 103,682 to 99,916, indicating just how many establishments have succumbed to the pressure. The hospitality industry is facing intense competition and operates under razor-thin margins. Costs like rent, energy, and food have skyrocketed, driving many businesses to make painful choices.
Galetti's decision is reflective of broader trends, where restaurateurs are scrambling to keep their doors open. Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge highlighted similar concerns earlier this year, indicating his business had lost over £1 million since the pandemic struck. The rising cost of living and the lingering impacts of Covid have exacerbated struggles.
Galetti, who also serves as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, had previously left the show to manage the demands of her restaurant and family life better. With her team solid, she felt she could dedicate three months to the program. But recent events have seen her focus shift back to personal priorities, including serious family matters, as her nephew faced health issues.
Reflecting on her experience, Galetti said, "When I’m filming, people don’t realize I do 12 hours of filming each day, then get back to the restaurant at night. Things are just out of sync, and it's tough at the moment.” Her commitment to her family is evident, but sadly, this has come at the cost of her culinary dreams.
With Mere now closing its doors, many are questioning the future of London's dining scene. What does it mean for other businesses similarly affected? While authorities have been urged to review the regulations surrounding hospitality, for Galetti and others, such discussions feel distant and perhaps too late.
Many industry insiders await action from the government, hoping for reforms to alleviate some of the burdens. But for now, as one door closes, others worry about keeping theirs open. The economic pressures facing restaurants are immense, and it’s clear the once-thriving industry—often regarded as the heart of British culture—is now under threat.
Beyond the numbers, it’s the human stories behind closures like Mere’s—chefs pouring years of effort and passion only to walk away from their dreams—that truly resonate. While Galetti's decision weighs heavily on the palate for her loyal patrons, it also calls for reflection on the changing face of the hospitality industry amid unprecedented challenges. Will future restaurateurs find ways to survive, or will more storied establishments face similar fates? Only time will tell as they navigate the shifting terrain.
