An Oldham chef who runs a fine-dining restaurant in Manchester has announced the restaurant has closed with immediate effect.

Simon Wood, from Chadderton, opened WOOD Manchester in 2017 on Jack Rosenthal Street and has been serving customers with a unique dining experience shaped around different menus since then.

However, Mr Wood has now announced that he has had to close the restaurant due to financial matters.

In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr Wood wrote: "Dear Friends, Customers and Suppliers of WOOD Manchester. It is with much regret that I have to inform you that I must close the doors here at WOOD for good, with immediate effect.

"We have had seven years as part of the Manchester City dining scene and I'm very proud of what the team and I have achieved.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

"Sadly with Covid rent arrears now being demanded by our landlord and an increasingly difficult marketplace, energy increases, ingredient costs and soon to be spiralling business rates we just cannot make this work.

"I'd like to thanks everyone for your support and patronage over the years.

"Thank you, Simon."

WOOD Manchester was Michelin-recommended in 2019 and has won the AA Rosette award.

Mr Wood became a professional chef after winning Materchef in 2015 and has also opened WOOD Chester and WOODKRAFT Cheltenham, however the former closed due to the Covid pandemic.

READ MORE: Saddleworth coffeehouse opens new pizzeria and cafe

Dozens of people have responded to Mr Wood's post, sharing their disappointment at the closure.

One person wrote: "Simon, I am so sorry to hear this. I am absolutely gutted for you. Your food has always been amazing and you are such a lovely person. I really do feel for you."

Another commented: "So very sorry to hear this! We loved coming to Wood. Thank you for the happy times we had there and good luck to you and the team in your future endeavours."

Another person wrote: "I’m really sorry to read this Simon. It’s such a tough time for the hospitality business. Wishing you a speedy return and have no doubt you’ll reinvent and re-emerge with an exciting new stage for your world class food."