One of the pioneers of Brixton’s transformation into a foodie destination, Salon in Market Row, and its spin-off, the Wine Store, today (7 June) announced their immediate closure.
“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce that Salon will be closing,” a statement from founders Nicholas Balfe, Matt Bushnell and Mark Gurney said.
“It has been an incredible ten-year journey for the whole team here in Brixton, and this has not been an easy decision to make.
“Before we get into the whys and wherefores,” the statement went on, “we would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers” for their support over the years.
“We have been beyond flattered to see so many people return again and again, and celebrate milestones, for birthdays, engagements, weddings and get-togethers. It has been an honour to share those moments with you.
“To our local community from Brixton and beyond. We have been continually inspired by those around us, revelling in the vibrancy, creativity and entrepreneurship that defines this iconic neighbourhood.
“We’ve felt so welcomed by our neighbours, literally and figuratively and we’ll miss having all that the area has to offer on our doorstep.
“Unfortunately, industry trading conditions continue to be more challenging than ever, which has meant we have had to make this very difficult decision.
“Things don’t look like they will be getting any easier any time soon and we’ve pushed, we’ve pulled, we’ve tweaked and we’ve refined – but ultimately the opportunity that was once there for the restaurant no longer exists.
“We’ve worked incredibly hard to time this difficult decision so it has the least negative impact on our stakeholders, most notably our team, to whom we are hugely grateful.
“We’re aiming to relocate many team members to our other sites and will support others in finding work elsewhere in the industry.”
The statement said that anyone who has bookings at Salon after 7 June, could be rebooked into Levan or Larry’s in Peckham.
The Salon pounders’ Somerset venture, Holm, will also continue to trade as normal.
“Like all restaurants in our position,” the statement said, “we face the same industry-wide pressures as others in London do, and if there was ever a time to make a reservation at one of the above, we would implore you to do so.”
