“I’ve never been so battered in this business” – James Allcock closes The Pig and Whistle
Allcock, who previously cooked under both Gordon Ramsay and Gary Usher, confirmed the closure last week, citing the impact of energy bill rises, staffing challenges and looming Covid debt.
Writing on X (formerly Twitter) on 28 December, Allcock said: “After a December with a record day, record week and record month, it is better to burn out than to fade away.
“That’s why I’ve come to the most gut-wrenching decision of my life, to unfortunately close. I’m just a person who’s done his best and can do no more, and for that I’m sorry.
“I have never been so battered in this business, with £40,000 of Covid debt still looming, an energy bill nearly four times that of its previous total and a staffing crisis which I’m happy to take responsibility for but which has become unmanageable, unsustainable and unworkable.
“I am closing The Pig and Whistle in its current form and I want to be very clear that long-term we will simply not reopen.”
Allcock launched The Pig and Whistle back in 2017. The neighbourhood bistro and tapas bar took inspiration from French, Italian and Spanish cuisine and served a menu that included small plates, cheese boards and British charcuterie.
The chef, who raised more than £20,000 last year via a rewards-based crowdfund to take full ownership of and develop the business, added that his deli, The Pig Pantry, would remain open for a short time to allow customers to spend gift vouchers.
He also suggested that he has plans to hold a closing event at The Pig and Whistle.
