City restaurant open for 28 years to close amid ‘rising costs’

A city restaurant which has been open for decades has announced it will be closing.

Gingerman, in Norfolk Square, Brighton, opened in 1998 and was the flagship store for the Gingerman restaurant group.

The group also runs three other sites across Sussex: The Flinthouse, in Hanningtons Lane, Brighton, The Ginger Pig, in Hove, and The Ginger Fox, in Muddleswood.

In a post on social media, owners Ben and Pamela McKellar said they had made the decision to close the site due to the “rising costs of running a restaurant”.

They said: “After 28 incredible years, we’re sharing something we never thought we’d have to say. With heavy hearts, we are announcing the closure of our very first restaurant, Gingerman.

“What Gingerman became over the years is all because of you. Our guests, supporters and friends. You filled our tables with laughter, celebrated life’s milestones with us, and made the restaurant feel like home.

“We also want to thank every single team member we’ve had the privilege of working with. Your passion, care and talent shaped Gingerman into what it is today. From kitchen to front of house, you brought it all to life.

“For nearly three decades, we’ve been proud to be part of Brighton’s food scene. Any impact we’ve had is only because of your support, loyalty and the friendships we’ve built along the way. You kept coming back, championed us, and made this journey far more than we ever imagined.

“Like many in our industry, the rising costs of running a restaurant have made it impossible for our small 30-seater to continue. This decision has not been made lightly, and it comes with real heartbreak.”

Ben McKellar pictured in 2015 at The Ginger Pig (Image: UGC)

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The couple encouraged the public to visit the restaurant ahead of the closure in the coming months, although an exact closing date is yet to be announced.

They added: “We won’t be closing immediately, but we will be closing our doors for the final time over the coming months. Before we do, we want to take this time to say a proper Gingerman goodbye. We’d love to welcome as many of you as possible in the weeks ahead, to share a meal, a glass, and a few memories together before we say farewell.

“Despite this sad closure, we want to share that we remain incredibly invested in and excited about the future of The Flint House, The Ginger Pig, and The Ginger Fox. We look forward to continuing to welcome you there and creating many more memorable experiences together.

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