Brasserie closes as its debts mount up

TOP Town centre brasserie Isabel's was closed yesterday morning with reported debts of at least £150,000. A Royal Court order was made yesterday to reclaim £22,000 from the business.

And the builder who refurbished the property says he had lodged an action for £130,000.

Proprietor Glenn Pontin was shocked and saddened over the closure.

'I've got nothing to say. It's a bit of a shock to me. I was in the dark as much as everyone else. Of course I'm upset - I've put everything into this business,' he said.

Action was also taken against Isabel's Ltd by the Social Security Department for non-payment of employer contributions reaching just under £5,000.

Milton Produce Ltd succeeded in an action for some £17,000.

Mr Pontin could not say whether the brasserie would reopen again.

'We were trading as normal this morning. We will have to wait and see what happens.' .

A passer-by yesterday morning said that she saw the brasserie open for trade at 10 but later saw a delivery van trying to drop off goods but the men could not gain access to the premises.

The building, which is situated at the bottom of Le Pollet, and has three floors and capacity for 180 people was opened last year.

Formerly Mange Tout, the premises were taken over by Mr Pontin and his wife Suzanne with the ambition to provide a family friendly Continental eating experience.

Mr and Mrs Pontin used to run the Bankers' Draught, which was a tied-trade establishment, and Isabel's was their first free trade venture.