Rising cost pressures force Cardiff restaurant Bully’s to close after almost 30 years
A statement published by the restaurant over the weekend confirmed the closure, with owner Russell Bullimore citing rising costs of produce and utilities as being behind the decision.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we have had to make the decision to permanently close our doors to the restaurant,” the statement read.
“Due to continually rising costs of produce and utilities we can no longer sustain the quality and standards we have always strived to maintain.”
Bully's was opened by Bullimore in the Pontcanna district of Cardiff in 1996 and won the AA Restaurant of the Year for Wales for 2014-15.
“We want to sincerely thank our staff and customers who have supported Bully’s over the years since our doors opened in 1996,” the statement continued.
“From our family to you, thank you and wishing you all health and happiness.”
Bully’s is one of two high-profile Cardiff restaurants to close its doors over the weekend as a result of spiralling costs.
Across town in Whitchurch, French restaurant Sopra 73 also announced that it had permanently shut its doors.
Marc Palladino, owner of both Sopra 73 and pizzeria housed below Pizzeria Villaggio, confirmed the news on Instagram on Saturday (6 May).
“It is with a very heavy heart that I have made the decision to permanently close Sopra 73,” he said.
“Unfortunately we aren’t able to sustain the business due to the spiralling cost of utilities and produce.
“The upstairs dining room will consolidate as part of Pizzeria Villaggio, and we will be utilising the kitchen upstairs to expand our takeaway business.
“All Sopra 73 staff have been transferred to Pizzeria Villaggio and Sopra 73 will make an appearance as a 'pop up' from time to time.
“Local/independently run businesses are the heartbeat of every community and now is a very challenging time, please remember to shop local at every opportunity. Thank you to every customer who has dined with us at Sopra 73.”
