Worcestershire's Michelin star restaurant Pensons to close

A Michelin star restaurant is set to permanently close, citing "persistent inflation and interest rate pressures".

Pensons in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, will shut its doors after dinner service 22 December.

In a statement, the restaurant said it was with "immense sadness" that it was closing, but it was "no longer financially viable" to stay open.

"We are deeply grateful to you all for supporting us over the last five years," Pensons said in Facebook post.

"We have loved your company, valued your friendship and hope you have some delightful memories of us."

Customers with reservations for a date past the 22 December have been advised they will be contacted by the restaurant, with those with gift vouchers also urged to book before the closing date.

Pensons, based in the grounds of the 1,200 acre Netherwood Estate, opened in 2019.

Currently led by head chef Chris Simpson, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star for high quality cooking, as well as a Green Star for sustainability.

In a statement announcing plans to close on social media, a spokesperson said the restaurant was "extremely proud" of "everything they had achieved over the last five years."

"We aimed to showcase all that is wonderful about this area and raise the national consciousness of this small corner of the country," they added.

"But most of all, we wanted to bring people together to enjoy the conviviality of a shared love of wonderful food and wine in beautiful surroundings."

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