Margate restaurant Barletta to close following money scam
The restaurant, owned by Natalia Ribbe and Jackson Berg, will run its last service on 9 December with a farewell dinner.
Last month the pair revealed that they had lost £50,000 to a fraudulent claim with a crowdfund later set up to help save the restaurant. However, the pair say that loss of money and the rising cost of living means that it is no longer viable to keep trading.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news that Barletta will be closing its doors. The impact of fraudulent activity on our bank account, compounded by the increase in energy bills and cost of living crisis has made it impossible for us to carry on. This was not the outcome we were hoping for, but it is the one we must make,” the pair wrote on Instagram.
Anyone who donated to the crowdfund can request a refund with any remaining funds donated to Hospitality Action, the charity that supports hospitality businesses facing challenging times, the pair say.
Barletta was launched in Margate’s Dreamland theme park in 2019 following a string of pop-ups from the pair, and relocated into the Turner Contemporary exhibition and events space last year.
“Barletta has given us such an adventure. From Dreamland to Urchin Wines, Barletta on the roof to the Rose in June. We hope you will come and celebrate these last few years of Barletta,” the pair add.
“We cannot thank enough our loyal guests, Turner Contemporary, our incredible team over the years - you know who you are and we would be nothing without you, and as always, the town of Margate for making us feel so loved.”
