The Dean restaurant in St Helens has closed - owners issue statement

Eddie and Vicky Dean, owners of the restaurant on Barrow Street, explained that a series of family bereavements and pressures to recruit an experienced manager had led to the decision.

They said that with a "heavy heart" the doors have now closed.

The Dean opened three years ago following the conversion of a former Willowbrook Hospice shop and like many hospitality venues, it has faced the many challenges during the pandemic.

However, with its champagne bar, piano music and fine dining it had won a loyal following and earned praise for bringing something different to the town centre.

The statement read: "Vicky and I [Eddie] have lost a nephew, brother and mother since December, this has taken a great toll on our daily lives and continues to do so.

"As restaurateurs you have to be fully committed to the industry due to the high energy and long hours needed, our team at the restaurant has been providing immense support to attempt to take up the tasks of Vicky and I not being in attendance.

"This has provided additional pressure on them to which a normal day is pressure enough.

Eddie and Vicky Dean at the restaurant's opening three years ago

"Unfortunately in an industry that is struggling for experienced staff and, in particular, experienced managers, of which we have tried to recruit and failed to find a suitable candidate, the decision was reached yesterday that at present The Dean cannot operate and provide a service to a level that Vicky and I and the staff strive to provide.

"Therefore it is with a very saddened and heavy heart that the doors are now closed."

The statement added that all bookings will receive automatic refunds within 21 days.

The owners added: "To our customers who have enjoyed our offering of something different, thank you for the support, we have enjoyed making new friends.

"To our staff, who are much more than that, you know how Vicky and I feel about you all."

Food and drink venues in St Helens, like many areas, continue to face significant challenges and footfall is not believed to have returned to the levels of 2019.

Recruitment of hospitality staff and a shortage of taxi drivers are some of the issues being wrestled with.

The announcement was made on social media on Thursday

The owners' statement added: "St Helens as a town has been static enough for a long time, the independent investment at the moment is staggering. Luxor Group, Ian Pitts, many other independents slowly opening up in the town centre we wish you every success.

"It's not been an easy three years with the arrival of the pandemic, however, we can firmly state that this has been a choice for the health of Vicky and I who are at present hurting deeply."