Welsh restaurant Alium closes due to 'perfect storm' of issues
Welsh restaurant Alium in Barry has permanently closed due to a "perfect storm" of issues, only 15 months after opening.
The venue launched at the Grade II-listed Pumphouse building in March 2022, taking over the site from the acclaimed Hang Fire Southern Kitchen after it shut due to staff shortages.
Alium was created by chef Antonio Simone, who is also behind the Humble Onion restaurant in Dinas Powys and Poca in Cardiff.
A post on Alium's social media accounts read: "Sadly Alium restaurant has closed its doors today. We shall be emailing all future bookings today to inform.
"It has been one hell of a ride, we have had ups and downs, questioned ourselves, diversified and tried everything to maintain our high standards, whilst still making it a viable business. Sadly, with so many factors combined the perfect storm has been created, as such we can no longer continue to trade.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that supported us and making the dream come true. In addition, a huge thank you to the staff (past and present). The team behind Alium were the best bunch of people, and they truly made it what it was. So, for that we shall be forever grateful."
The announcement sparked an outpouring of support from fans of the restaurant on social media.
"Very sad to hear this, it can't have been easy. Thanks and good luck to the team, you fed us well," one wrote.
Another added: "I'm so sorry to hear this. We ate with you several times and loved every meal. Such a loss of great quality food at a great place with great staff."
Britain has lost around one in 18 of its licensed premises in the last year, equating to 5,736 pubs, hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafes, according to the Hospitality Market Monitor from CGA and AlixPartners.
Recent independent restaurant closures have included Sven-Hanson Britt's Oxeye in London and Brian Maule at Le Chardon d'Or in Glasgow.
Image: Alium Restaurant / Facebook
