Top chef who worked for Richard Branson puts restaurant up for sale in ‘difficult decision’ after drop in customers
A WORLD-class chef who dished up grub for Richard Branson is selling his restaurant after struggling to draw in punters.
Graham Brundle, who trained at the Ritz in London, has put the Devon eatery on the market for £1million.
Brundle’s Bar and Restaurant became a hot spot in Woolacombe after it opened in 2019.
Serving up a mixture of French, Asian and British cuisine, the restaurant is now labelled as “permanently closed” on Google.
It was part of the redevelopment of the derelict Narracott Hotel.
The site was transformed into Byron, a development of 55 fancy apartments with a private pool, gym and sauna.
It is now used for holiday accommodation, boasting views of Woolacombe beach.
Graham travelled the world cooking for the Virgin billionaire, Bill Gates and even members of the royal family.
Hailing from the coastal town, Graham decided to set down roots in Woolacombe.
But tragically a lack of footfall resulted in Brundle’s demise.
In 2023 Graham told followers that they would be closing for the winter season earlier than normal.
“Sunday 26th November will be our last day open this year,” he wrote on Facebook.
“Unfortunately we’ve had to make the difficult decision to shut the doors early this year due to the amount of footfall in Woolacombe.
“In the meantime we’ll be hosting our final 2 Thai Buffets so make sure you get yourselves booked in for those, info to follow.”
However, the family-friendly restaurant never reopened.
It scored 4/5 on Trip Advisor and listed as Travellers’ Choice in 2024.
One former diner wrote: “What a find in Woolacombe. From the point we stepped into the restaurant until the time we left [it was] amazing.
“Attention to detail and customer service was second to none.
“Not only was the owner receptive to our dog who was served a doggy frappacino but fully attentive to our needs.
“The Thai food was some of the best I have tasted anywhere, even in Bali.
“If you do not visit here, you will miss out. A little treasure focused on providing good food using the best and freshest ingredients,” they added.
Other guests raved about the Sunday roasts on offer and the friendly staff.
It is being marketed by Match Property Estate Agents who branded Brundle’s as a “prime beachfront location”.
They also dismissed Graham’s dwindling footfall claims and said Woolacombe is experiencing “something of a renaissance”.
They added: “Already one the UK’s premier holiday and local destinations, Woolacombe is set to become renowned internationally as one of the best places to visit in the UK.”