Michelin-guide restaurant to cook without gas or electricity to protest soaring energy bills

While many of us are struggling with rising bills, our favourite hospitality venues, whether it be our local pub or go-to restaurant, are also feeling the pain – some to the point of closure.

To highlight this, a Michelin-guide restaurant in Cheshire is protesting the impact of spiralling energy costs on the hospitality sector by opening without using electricity or gas.

Next Door’s ‘Back to Basics’ event will take place next Wednesday, October 19th, and will feature a nine-course tasting menu – with no gas or electricity being used on the evening or in the preparation of the dishes.

Next Door / Facebook

Head Chef and co-owner Richard Nuttall said: “We’ll be cooking solely on charcoal, using no refrigeration, no technology, all by candlelight! We are 100% committed to zero power, even in the preparation of the courses. It’s pushing us well out of our comfort zones to operate like this and keep up our usual high standards. 

“Our suppliers have been incredibly supportive of our ambition and are delivering fresh goods immediately before they are due to cook due to the lack of cold storage”

The move comes after accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young reported a 64% increase in the number of restaurant insolvencies this year compared to last, with more than 1,400 premises permanently closing.

Next Door / Facebook

Next Door has built a reputation as one of Cheshire’s best rated fine dining destinations, but a perfect storm of rising inflation, the cost-of-living crisis and soaring energy costs is creating a huge challenge for the business.

Whilst the government has stepped in with a scheme to push down energy costs for businesses, the support will only last until March 2023 and bills remain far in excess of their previous level.

Sommelier and co-owner Vicki Nuttall added: “This event is a bold statement of independence and defiance against the ever-tightening constraints faced by our sector

“We’ve already watched some of our favourite restaurants and pubs forced to close their doors, despite being busy – this is our way of showing that this isn’t acceptable.”

Next Door / Facebook

The one-off evening has been months in the making, with every element carefully considered to ensure that quality is maintained at all times. 

Customers are invited to leave behind modern-day comforts for the evening, dining by candlelight with live instrumentals, no electronics, no heating, no card payments, and no Wi-Fi.

Vicki concluded: “this is a light-hearted way to make a serious point about our industry.”

You can head over to their website to find out more.