ANOTHER city centre restaurant has announced it will close its doors - but may reopen in the Spring. 

Allium, Market Place, will shut on December 23 amid rising costs in food, energy and no guarantee of government assistance for the hospitality industry following the Autumn Statement.

It comes after the closure of Wilding on High Street, and the possibly temporary closure of Pizza Venti on Fisherton Street. 

Allium initially opened only a few months before the Covid pandemic, and has managed to survive despite the series of lockdowns and the collapse in the numbers of people working in hospitality

Closing shortly before Christmas is normal for Allium, but what is different this year is when (or if) it will open back up afterwards.

Chef/proprietor Tim Tonkin said costs for food and energy had risen by 40 per cent, with some foodstuffs increasing much more.

Salisbury Journal: Chef/Proprietor Tim Tonkin Chef/Proprietor Tim Tonkin (Image: Newsquest)

Tim said: “My cooking oil has nearly doubled. I used to pay £22 for 20-litre drum; I now pay £38.

“Eighty per cent of what we use in the UK is imported from Ukraine. Obviously they’re not harvesting; they’re not exporting, so the cost of grain, oil, all that sort of stuff has rocketed because so much comes from Ukraine.”

These circumstances, combined with the typically low footfall in winter months, forced the restaurant to close and ride out the winter to save costs. Tim explained that the restaurant needs an estimated 140 customers a week to remain profitable, whereas recent numbers have been around 80-90.

The plan remains that Allium will reopen in the spring, though no exact date has been set and the future remains uncertain.

Tim said: “Basically, where we stand, this is, we’re hoping, a temporary measure to basically give us the best opportunity that we have to reopen after the winter.”

Tim remained grateful for the support he has received thus far from the community and his clientele.

He said: “We would like to thank all our guests who have supported us so far, during what has been an immensely difficult few years for hospitality businesses. We look forward to being able to welcome you back in the Spring!”

Allium will post updates to its closure and reopening situation on its website, alliumsalisbury.restaurant, and on its social media channels.