Leeds chef Liz Cottam is to close her ambitious and highly rated restaurant Home at the end of September as tough economic conditions continue to weigh heavily on the industry. New government figures show hospitality insolvencies rose by 20% in the 12 months to May, effecting 3,752 businesses.

Liz founded Home in 2017 on Kirkgate and switched to striking new premises on Brewery Wharf in 2021. The Harden’s Guide noted a jump in quality following the move, describing the five or eight-course tasting menus as “a wonderful experience from start to finish.”

But the restaurant came under financial stress soon after moving, when the energy bill jumped from £2,000 to £10,000 a month. Key produce including butter and oil also went up in price, while high interest rates meant customers were more restrained in their spending habits.

Liz announced the closure this week via an Instagram post which read: “This journey has been nothing short of amazing and I am filled with immense pride for everything we have accomplished as a team.

“Throughout the years we have achieved so much, so it is with a profound sense of sadness that we find ourselves succumbing to the insurmountable economic pressures that have affected so many businesses. Because this outcome is not due to any fault of our own, we can hold our heads high. We have given our all and have no regrets.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who have supported us along this journey. Your unwavering friendship and love for what we do have been the driving force behind our success. It has been an honour and a privilege to have entertained you over the years.”

Liz’s more casual second restaurant, The Owl at Mustard Wharf, remains open, and she has indicated her intention to launch another restaurant of high ambition at some point in the future.