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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Will Twigger

Jamie Oliver's restaurant empire suffers 'huge blow' with closure of flagship spot

It's a bit doom and gloom in Jamie Oliver's restaurant empire.

His flagship Cornwall spot, Watergate Bay's Fifteen, has announced that it's to close its doors - the latest in a long line of closures for the celebrity chef.

It was run by the Cornwall Food Foundation, and was based upon the idea of training up unemployed people into restaurant-level chefs.

The decision means the loss of 100 jobs, following on from the 1000 redundancies made earlier this year with the closure of the Jamie's Italian chain, Barbecoa, and the London branch of Fifteen.

A statement from Fifteen explained: "We are deeply saddened to announce that today Fifteen Cornwall will close and cease trading immediately.

Jamie's empire has suffered a 'huge blow' (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

"We are profoundly sorry for the hurt, loss and distress the announcement will undoubtedly cause."

Jamie himself added: "Both organisations have always been run separately from us, but the team has done an amazing job with the trainee programme, training over 200 chefs and reaching so many more along the way - so this is a huge blow.

"My thoughts are with everyone affected."

The restaurant went on to offer heartfelt thanks to customers for years of loyalty, as well as to the staff for their hard work.

"We are extremely grateful to all our loyal customers," it continued, "Supporters and amazing suppliers, and to the partners, staff and trainees that have made Fifteen Cornwall and the Cornwall Food Foundation so special for almost 14 years. Big love x."

Fifteen has closed its doors (Getty Images)

The restaurant's Board of Directors, as well as Cornwall Food Foundation's trustees, announced the closure following an independent financial review, and have begun the process of liquidating both companies.

"As a charity and social enterprise restaurant," a spokesperson said, "We have welfare and safeguarding responsibilities which we are doing our utmost to resolve.

"We are talking with partners to find a way for the support for people we work with to continue, including those on the Fifteen training programme and Food For Change."

Jamie's not got the only struggling food business in the UK, as Byron, Carluccio's and Patisserie Valerie have been marred by rising costs and huge competition.

Mirror Online has contacted Jamie's representatives for comment.

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