Couple to close much-loved North Yorkshire restaurant after 13 happy years
Matt and Gemma Bird are closing the Willowgate Bistro after 13 happy years. (Image: Pic supplied)
A much-loved Pickering restaurant is to close this weekend.
The Willowgate Bistro will be serving its last meal on Saturday night after 13 happy years.
However, with his son growing up, chef Matt Bird is to focus on his work teach cooking at York College, where his wife Gemma has also secured a job.
At the Willowgate, Gemma was front of house, but at the college she will be a progress coach, offering pastoral care.
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Matt told the Press: “I have a son. We started the bistro when he was first born. Our family needs are changing. He’s really into his rugby. I’m wanting to spend more time with our son.”
In addition to running the restaurant, in recent years Matt has been working as a tutor at York College, teaching cooking.
The restaurant interior
(Image: Pic supplied)
Matt says the college is doing well, with its cookery school rated as one of the top four cookery schools.
He continued: “We have done 13.5 years at the restaurant and loved every minute of it. We tried to sell the business over the past 18 months but we were unable to sell it due to the state of the economy.”
“We want to say thank you for the support of all our regulars. They were not just locals from Pickering, people would drive here too. We have had lots of messages of support.
Some of Matt's cooking
(Image: Pic supplied)
In an emotional post on Facebook, the couple say they created more than a restaurant but a place where “people could come together, celebrate, and make memories.”
They also said: “We’ve welcomed regulars who became friends, families who returned year after year, and shared moments remembering those who are sadly no longer with us. To have been part of these moments is something we will always treasure.”
The couple added: “Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives for the past 13 years.
Diners always praised the food
(Image: Pic supplied)
“It’s been one hell of a journey, and one we’ll never forget.”
During the 13 years, The Willowgate Bistro gained a reputation for being one of the best restaurants in Ryedale.
Tripadvisor awards it 4.8 stars out of five, based on 1,123 reviews, ranking it second out of 47 Pickering restaurants.
The latest such review gave five stars, saying “sublime in Pickering.”
The review added: “This has to be the best restaurant in Pickering. Well presented, tasty food imaginatively. crafted and served by a delightful waitress who was friendly and put you at ease.”
Google also awards 4.8 stars out of five, based on 230 reviews.
The latest Google review said: “We had dinner here just after we got engaged, and the staff were already so kind, warm, and welcoming, but when they found out we were celebrating, they went out of their way to make us feel extra special. The chef came out and gave us a little bottle of champagne too!
“The food was of course also excellent; we thoroughly enjoyed the scallops, trout, lamb shoulder, cod loin, and outstanding desserts. Would highly recommend booking here! What an amazing place.”
Customers have been reacting with sadness at the closure but wishing the family well.
One said on Facebook: “End of an era! Have a great last weekend and although Willowgate will be missed, you achieved your goals there and now time for your next adventure.”
Another added: “Sorry to hear that you are closing, we have enjoyed some lovely meals here, good luck in all your future ventures.”