Shock at sudden closure of popular park restaurant

Mystery surrounds the sudden closure of one of Sutton Coldfield’s most famous and picturesque restaurants.

The Bracebridge restaurant in Sutton Park and its associated kiosk closed suddenly this week with a Facebook message saying they were closing with a ‘heavy heart’.

It is unclear what reason for the closure, but the hospitality industry has been suffering a torrid time, first with the pandemic, staff shortages and then rocketing energy prices, putting pressure on profits.

The full Facebook message said: “It’s with a heavy heart that we have had to close the doors of The Bracebridge & The Kiosk. It’s a very emotional time for the Bracebridge family and staff. We want to say a huge thank you to our loyal customers and friends who have supported us over the years.

“We are in the process of cancelling bookings and refunding deposits. Loyal visitors expressed their sadness at the loss of the Bracebridge, following their shock announcement.

An independent restaurant sitting on the edge of Bracebridge Pool it is owned by the Brough family and on its website owner Claire Brough said: “We’re proud of our independent, family oriented business. We all feel like family, it’s a feeling we wish to share with our guests.”

People have spoken of their shock in Facebook messages at the closure of the restaurant, and the hugely popular kiosk, always popular with walkers and cyclist in the park and a spot to have a well earned drink or a quck snack.

Messages included:

• Pretty sure The Kiosk saved a few peoples lives in lockdown
• Thats’ a shock, its such a good location and restaurant. I imagine the price of the food, energy prices and all your other costs have taken their toll.
• I’m so sorry to hear this guys and will never forget the great summers we’ve had on Sutton Coldfield’s best live music terrace! I wish the whole team all the best for the future X
• So sorry to hear this 
• Noo! So sorry to read this, fabulous place! Good luck for the future