Prominent vegetarian restaurant Greens, of Didsbury in south Manchester, has closed down after 33 years following a 35% rent hike – while Copper & Ink in Blackheath, southeast London, is another New Year casualty of rising costs.

Greens’ founder Simon Rimmer, a regular on television, announced the closure in a video posted to social media – adding that the second branch of Greens, in Sale, remains open.

Simon said: “This is a very sad day. After 33 years of running Greens in Didsbury, we’ve unfortunately had to close the door. Our landlords have increased our rent by the region of 35 per cent; the cost of raw materials, the cost of heat, light and power, employing people and general food costs have meant that the business unfortunately has become unviable. With immediately effect we’ve unfortunately shut the door. it’s a heartbreaking day.

“I’d like to thank every single member of staff that has worked for us over the years, every single customer that has come through the door, our amazing suppliers, our neighbours, our friends and anybody who has ever set foot inside the door.

“I can’t believe I’m actually doing this message. Big love. Thank you for the last 33 years – and hopefully we’ll see you in Sale, if not here. Lots of love.”

On the same day, former MasterChef finalist Tony Rodd announced that he and his wife Becky were closing Copper & Ink, five years after opening. The Blackheath venue won praise as a “really special local restaurant – why go into central London to eat?” from the Harden’s guide.

Tony said he and Becky had “agonised over the decision and spent much of the Christmas break trying to desperately find a way to save the restaurant but no avail“.

The couple blamed the Covid-19 pandemic for kickstarting financial difficulties coupled with the cost of living crisis that saw energy costs and supplier prices surge