In an open letter posted on the restaurant’s website the brothers blamed the current tough trading conditions for the closure although it is also understood that a demand from the landlord for pandemic rent debt was a factor.
“Opening with Covid and facing the challenges of the Post Covid trading environment has been unprecedented. The resulting administrative burden has overshadowed our attempts to re-emerge and establish the foundations for the business as hoped,” they say.
“Unfortunately, the slow recovery has been shattered by the cost of living crisis, rising costs and the lower than expected footfall at the Royal Albert Dock.”
The brothers, who are also behind The Marram Grass in Anglesey, opened Lerpwl in Liverpool’s Albert Docks in February 2020. Named after the Welsh word for city, the restaurant received a good critical reception, including being named the best restaurant in Liverpool at the British Restaurant Awards last year.
“Despite the challenges, we are proud of the commitment and hard work from the team in making Lerpwl one of the top restaurants in Liverpool. Many people have played a part and we appreciate all those who have invested time and energy into the Lerpwl journey,” the pair add.
“We wish all the best to our fantastic customers and well wishers who have supported us on our journey over the last three years. There will be more information made available in the coming weeks and months, once there has been time to sufficiently review the experience."