Award-winning Harrogate restaurant Van Zeller to close

Van Zeller, a fine dining restaurant in the centre of Harrogate, announced this morning (Friday, July 1) that it would be permanently closing its business.

Award-winning chef Tom van Zeller posted the news to his Instagram account this morning and said the restaurant couldn't cope with the 'staggering' amount of recent openings.

He said: "Good morning. It is with great sadness that I announce that Van Zeller is now closed for business permanently.

"Further economic uncertainty and a staggering eight new openings in Harrogate leave me with little choice. Thank you for your custom & support."

A number of chain restaurants, including Byron Burgers, Cau, ASK and Yo Sushi! have recently opened with Five Guys set to open later this year.

These chains will be accompanied by other recently opened town centre restaurants including Nandos, Jamie's Italian and Las Iguanas.

The increasing amount of competition across the town has already seen Harrogate's landmark Bed Restaurant announcing its closure in April.

Van Zeller was part owned by head chef Tom van Zeller in partnership with David Moore who owns the two Michelin starred Pied à Terre in London.

The restaurant scooped a number of awards in their opening year including Best Newcomer 2010 by the Northern Hospitality awards and Best Chef 2010 in the Oliver Awards.

News of the restaurant's closure sparked a number of messages from disappointed customers.

Bairbrehealy posted: "Beyond sorry to hear that Tom. Such a shame but I'm sure you'll continue to do great things."

Mjdlowrey commented: "Sorry to hear this, great place with truly amazing food! Good luck with the future."