Ambridge, who was a graduate of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall back in 2012, confirmed that both sites would be shut ‘with immediate effect’ in a heartfelt Instagram post published last week.
Describing it as a post he never thought he’d have to write, he said: “It’s with deep sadness that I announce the closure of both The Fox’s Revenge and Onda Wadebridge with immediate effect.
“I cannot put into words the feelings I have right now. I have tried with every ounce of determination to adapt, overcome and succeed, but the time has come where I just have nothing left.”
Ambridge took over The Fox’s Revenge back in February 2020, in partnership with his wife Jess. The pair subsequently went on to launch Italian restaurant Onda last year.
“For the past four and a bit years my whole focus and life has been around trying to survive… a position no business should be in or have to do,” Ambridge continued.
“With this said it’s taken a toll on my health and my home life to which I am not willing to sacrifice.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the customers, friends, family and anyone that came and enjoyed spending time with us at both venues. To anyone that I have met on this crazy journey of hospitality life.
“A massive thank you to all the staff that have believed in me and worked their socks off to make my visions a reality. I truly believe there have been huge amounts of success along the way.
“A thank you to my wife, who has stood by me. Without you Jess, I wouldn’t have managed to get to this point.”
He added that he doesn’t plan for this to be the end of his career in kitchens, but would ‘need some time’ before making a comeback.