Michelin-starred restaurant Simpsons in Birmingham will shut its doors permanently unless a last-minute buyer emerges, chef patron Andreas Antona announced.
The restaurant, located in a Georgian Grade II listed building in Edgbaston, has operated for 32 years and held a Michelin star since 1999.
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Antona said he spent 18 months trying to sell the business but all negotiations failed due to macroeconomic conditions and government policy.
"Sadly, none of the possible deals have reached a successful conclusion and I have to blame the economy and lack of action from the government," Antona said.
The chef patron pointed to post-Brexit immigration policies as a key factor causing severe staffing shortages in the hospitality sector.
"A lot of the blame is with Brexit.
The pool of talent in Europe was largely blocked to us and there haven't been enough qualified people for us to take on," he said.
Surging operational expenses and legislative decisions further complicated the financial viability of the Edgbaston site.
"Costs have just continued to rocket and local and national government policies have made it impossible to carry on," Antona added.
He expressed hope for a last-minute buyer but acknowledged the economic outlook is bleak.
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The decision came after ongoing health issues prompted Antona to put the restaurant on the market 18 months ago.
"I had every confidence that such a longstanding and respected Birmingham restaurant would find a suitable buyer.
However, three aborted sales attempts later and I am left with no choice but to close the doors," he said.
Antona thanked his current team, including Luke and Steve, for maintaining high standards during tough economic times.
He also expressed gratitude to former employees who built successful careers at Simpsons.
"In my 50 plus years in hospitality I have never known a more challenging economic climate for restaurants.
Our many calls for reasonable government support have fallen on deaf ears," Antona said.
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The sister establishment, The Cross at Kenilworth, remains operational.
