A MUCH-LOVED former Michelin star restaurant welcomed diners for the final time as it is now set to close its doors for good due to soaring energy prices. 

The Black Rat in Chesil Street held its last ever service on Friday, September 30 as the curtain fell on its time in the city after a 15-year journey. 

Owner David Nicholson said: "It went very well indeed, it was all very smooth. Of course it was very sad but it worked. 

"Myself and the staff had a few drinks afterwards to say goodbye, then we shut it all down and that was it.

"We were fully booked, as we have been for the past month or so. The response from our diners was good, I think people are sad to see it go. We're one of these restaurants where lots of people love it, some people hate it. 

"It's the end of a chapter but hopefully not the end of the story."

Mr Nicholson, who also runs The Black Boy Pub, The Black Bottle wine bar and The Black Hole bed and breakfast, told the Chronicle last month he was facing an increase of up to £80,000 to his energy bills. 

He said the restaurant also struggled with staffing issues and hikes to overheads such as wages and food prices.

Despite having to close, Mr Nicholson said he has happy memories of The Black Rat and didn't rule out it coming back in the future.

"It has been 15 years of really good fun," he added. "The staff and customers were excellent and we achieved what we set out to do with it.  

"Eventually these things have to come to an end."

The restaurant, which lost its Michelin star ranking in February 2021 but retained a place on the coveted guide, made the announcement of its closure on Monday, September 5.

A Facebook post read: “It's been a blast but all good things come to an end!

"With a heavy heart, the Black Rat is closing its doors for the final time at the end of September.

"Below, instead of the usual food pics, are the people that made it all possible over the last 15 years. The guys who worked their hardest to create amazing menus, provide the best service and make the Black Rat what it was.

"We'd like to thank all of the customers who supported us from the start and particularly those who braved our 'unusual' menus (lamb heart, brain, horse or wood ants anyone) and became not just regular customers, but also friends. You all know who are so I won't embarrass you but we'll miss you terribly.

"Keep well, eat well support local business and thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!

"Gareth, Erica, Jose, Aly, Nick, Shera, Matt, Dave & Sam xxx”

The post received more than 100 comments and 30 shares, showing its reputation in Winchester.

Ali Manswell commented: “This is so sad, Winchester lacks decent privately owned venues. Jose and the team have always looked after us tremendously well and made us feel special. Wishing everyone of them success in their future ventures.”

James Swan Jnr said: “Thank you sooo much to everyone at The Black Rat Restaurant, that was my wife’s and my indulgence every year as it is where we got engaged on the January 25 2014! Very special memories for us, we will truly miss it. Just glad we visited on Friday where I had the lamb, gutted! Good luck everyone in your new ventures, if it’s true.”

Mr Nicholson also gained support from fellow restaurateurs in the city, with Kyoto Kitchen owner Miff Kayum describing its closure as "devastating news for the culinary scene in Winchester".