John Burton Race Restaurant Shuts
IT HASN`T been the best of weeks for John Burton Race as the celebrity chef was forced to close his restaurant just days after being booted off a reality TV show.
A notice has appeared in the window of the New Angel restaurant in Dartmouth, Devon, saying it is no longer open for business.
It is believed the restaurant was unable to remain open amid severe financial difficulties. The news comes just days after Mr Burton Race was evicted from ITV`s I`m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.
Staff were told that the restaurant - which employed around 20 staff - was closing for the final time last Sunday night (November 25).
Waiters and chefs said that a meeting had taken place with all the staff where they were given their wages and P45s.
One employee, who did not want to be named, said: "It`s rubbish. We were told Sunday that the restaurant would close just like that. They can`t do it - it`s too short notice."
Another waiter, who has been working for the New Angel for six months, said: "We tried to called John in Australia but the TV production told us we couldn`t contact him.
"I`m annoyed because I have just lost my job overnight and I don`t understand why."
Litter bags were put outside the door to block the entrance to the restaurant and a sign was put on the window alerting customers the New Angel was now closed.
The sign read: "It is with deep regret that as of Tuesday 27th November 2007 the New Angel restaurant and rooms will cease trading. Please direct all enquiries to John Burton Race."
