A MICHELIN-starred chef has suddenly closed his flagship restaurant after just six months.
Greg Clarke’s beloved Mexican restaurant is yet another luxury eatery to shut down in the hostile conditions on the high street.
El Bolillo hoped to bring the excitement of Mexican cooking to the seaside town of Hove.
Their menu was centred around tacos and included such delicacies as tuna tostata and graceburn feta churros.
Ahead of the shop’s opening, Greg said: “We wanted to create a space that embodies the energy and vibrancy of Mexico City, but with a focus on great hospitality and a relaxed, neighbourhood vibe.
“This is a place where everyone can feel comfortable, whether you’re coming for a casual bite or celebrating something special.
“We’re not just opening a place to eat—we’re building a community space.”
Greg has been awarded with a Michelin Star which is the highest honour in the culinary world.
It is handed out by the Michelin Guide, after their anonymous inspectors visit restaurants across the world.
Throughout his career, the illustrious chef has worked at Daniel Clifford’s Michelin-starred restaurant Midsummer House as well as the prestigious eatery Maaemo in Norway.
He has also worked at the 5-star South Lodge Hotel’s restaurant The Pass as well as The Ledbury in Notting Hill.
Sadly, Greg shut his own restaurant El Bolillo just six months after it opened in September 2024.
The celebrity chef has yet to confirm why his restaurant shut so suddenly.
Rent prices have soared amid the cost of living crisis, with restaurant owners blaming both the October budget and Brexit for their business woes.
La Goccia in Covent Garden shut down in February 2025, alongside its sister restaurant The Petersham.
After closing La Goccia, a spokesperson for the eatery said that they had faced “significant cost challenges” as Brexit left them unable to “recruit people with the right experience or skills”.
They also said that the Covid-19 pandemic had caused disruption to their business.
The Michelin-starred vegan restaurant Native has shut down in March 2025, after setting up shop at the Netherwood Estate in 2024.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
