Owner calls time on Fat Rascal but 'new chapter' beckons

Fat Rascal opened in February 2017, and Mr Hopkins said that it had been ‘an epic, at times emotional, journey’.

A fire closed the restaurant for several months in 2018 and it also kept going through two lockdowns during the Covid pandemic.

‘We’ve really enjoyed running it, it’s been amazing,’ he said. ‘The messages we’ve received [after announcing the closure] have been really sweet.’

But while this will mark the end of Fat Rascal, Mr Hopkins said a new venture is in the works.

‘It’s sad to see Fat Rascal go but I just feel the time is right to start a new chapter.’

This new chapter will see the creation of a ‘small plate dining room’ in the same space.

Mr Hopkins has also submitted plans for a change of use of the upper floor which, if approved, will see a craft bar created there.

He said he was taking on this venture with a new partner, but even if the lounge was not approved, the dining area would go ahead.

‘That should be opening in June or July,’ he said. ‘It will be almost a kind of grown-up version of what Fat Rascal used to be.’

He announced the restaurant's closure on Facebook, thanking customers for 'seven years of incredible support, joy and love'.

‘We have met some incredible people, formed great friendships. I am so grateful for the support for our business, it means a lot and I won’t forget it.’

Fat Rascal will close after evening service on Saturday 17 February.

Sale of local beers planned in new bar

A bar serving local beers aimed at working professionals could open above Fat Rascal, if planning permission is granted.

A change of use application has been made for office space at 1, Lefebvre Street.

In the application, architect Andy Merrett, from Lovell Ozanne, said his client was keen to expand to operate an aperitif and lounge bar upstairs.

The office space has been empty since the start of this year.

Mr Merrett said it was hoped the two businesses would be able to complement each other.