Simon Rimmer’s Restaurant Chain Collapses After Accumulating £500,000 in Debt
• December 13, 2025
How does a beloved restaurant with over three decades of history suddenly shut down, leaving behind over half a million pounds in debt? The collapse of Simon Rimmer’s acclaimed vegetarian restaurant chain, Greens, has stunned the UK hospitality industry and loyal customers alike.
Once a staple of Manchester’s culinary landscape, Greens’ downfall is a stark reminder of how economic strain and rising operational costs can overpower even the most established brands.
This article explores the reasons behind Greens’ unexpected closure, the financial toll it left behind, and what lies ahead for Simon Rimmer.
Who Is Simon Rimmer?
Simon Rimmer is a well-known British TV chef, best recognised for co-hosting the popular Channel 4 programme Sunday Brunch. He has also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, further cementing his place in the UK’s public eye. But beyond the television screen, Rimmer is a passionate restaurateur.
In 1990, Rimmer co-founded Greens in Didsbury, Manchester, alongside business partner Simon Connolly. With no formal culinary training, Rimmer’s venture into vegetarian dining was unconventional but ultimately trailblazing. Greens became one of the first fully vegetarian restaurants in the city and quickly earned respect for its inventive, meat-free menu.
Over the years, the restaurant received recognition in The Good Food Guide and was listed among the top vegetarian restaurants in the UK. With a second branch launched in Sale in 2022, the brand appeared to be growing, but by the end of 2024, both locations were closed, and the business had entered administration.
What Triggered the Collapse of Simon Rimmer’s Vegetarian Restaurant Chain?
Greens’ closure wasn’t a sudden event, it was the culmination of mounting financial and operational pressures the business couldn’t overcome. The original Didsbury site, a staple since 1990, closed in January 2024, followed by the Sale branch in September. Despite its strong reputation, Greens struggled to stay afloat.
A 35% rent increase at Didsbury dealt a major blow, while soaring energy bills and rising food costs worsened the strain. Wage pressures also grew amid post-COVID challenges. Customer footfall declined as the cost-of-living crisis deepened.
Additional factors included:
- Overly ambitious sales projections for the Sale branch
- Delayed cost adjustments and inefficient scaling
- £200,000 in investor cash injections that failed to bridge the financial gap
Previously profitable, Greens couldn’t adapt fast enough to survive the harsh economic climate.
Why Did a 33-Year-Old Restaurant Chain Suddenly Become Unsustainable?
While Greens had weathered previous storms, the convergence of several high-impact financial pressures in 2023 and 2024 ultimately overwhelmed the business.
Core Reasons for Unsustainability:
- Rent Increase: The Didsbury branch experienced a 35% rent hike, which added immense financial strain.
- Operational Expenses: Electricity, gas, water, and insurance bills all spiked.
- Food Costs: Raw materials and produce prices climbed significantly.
- Labour Costs: Staffing became more expensive in a tight labour market.
- Consumer Spending: With economic uncertainty, customers dined out less frequently.
- Post-COVID Fatigue: The restaurant sector has struggled with slow recovery, especially in footfall and consumer habits.
Each of these elements alone could have been managed, but together they formed a financial storm. Management could not reduce costs fast enough to match the decline in revenue, especially at the Sale location, which never reached its predicted sales targets.
How Much Debt Did Greens Owe and Who Were the Creditors?
By the time Greens entered administration, the restaurant group had accumulated significant debt across various creditors. According to filings by the appointed administrators, the business owed a total of £582,827. These debts were spread across government bodies, financial institutions, suppliers, and consumers.
Debt Breakdown by Creditor Type:
| Creditor Type | Details | Amount Owed |
|---|---|---|
| HMRC | Unpaid VAT and PAYE | £458,873 |
| Trade Creditors | Suppliers and service providers | £75,000 |
| Consumer Creditors | Gift card and voucher holders | £35,790 |
| Royal Bank of Scotland | Outstanding bank loan | £13,164 |
| Total | ||
| £582,827 |
The largest debt was owed to HMRC, amounting to nearly £459,000 in unpaid taxes. Gift card holders were also affected, losing almost £36,000 collectively. Begbies Traynor, the firm handling the administration, confirmed that most creditors would not be repaid due to the limited recoverable assets.
In a bid to salvage value, Greens’ business and assets were sold to an unrelated party, The Bubble Room Sale Limited, for £50,000. However, this was far from enough to cover the debts.
What Was Simon Rimmer’s Response to the Collapse?
Simon Rimmer’s reaction to the closure of Greens was emotional and heartfelt. In a video message, he described the decision as one of the most difficult of his life. He referred to the restaurant as the “cornerstone of my life” and “heartbreaking” to lose.
His statement outlined the challenges faced: soaring energy bills, rent hikes, and rising costs across all areas. Despite best efforts to make it work, including cost-cutting and negotiations, Rimmer ultimately acknowledged that the business had become “untenable.”
In addition to the video, a statement was issued on social media thanking the community, staff, neighbours, and loyal customers for their support over the years.
This outpouring of appreciation reflected just how personally invested Rimmer was in the success of Greens, not only as a business venture but as a personal legacy.
How Did the Public React to the Restaurant Closures?
The public response to Greens’ shutdown was immediate and deeply emotional. The community in Manchester and surrounding areas expressed sorrow and nostalgia across social platforms, particularly on Facebook where the closure announcement was made.
Emotional Farewells
Many customers reminisced about dining at Greens during birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. Some described it as their “favourite restaurant of all time.”
Cultural Impact
Greens wasn’t just a place to eat. It was a landmark in Manchester’s food culture. The emotional responses highlighted the hole left by its absence, not just as a business, but as a part of the city’s culinary identity.
Few Customer’s Reactions
- “So sad to read this, one of our Sale favourites.”
- “Oh god, this is so sad. My absolute favourite restaurant.”
- “We’ve loved 12 years of eating at Greens. Definitely the end of an era.”
The public reaction clearly shows that Greens’ closure left a lasting impact, not only on loyal customers but also on Manchester’s cultural and culinary landscape, marking the end of an era cherished by many.
Could the Collapse Have Been Prevented?
Looking back, the question arises, was Greens’ closure inevitable? Or could earlier intervention have changed the outcome?
While some internal decisions, like ambitious expansion plans and underestimating operational risks at the Sale branch, may have accelerated the collapse, external factors played a dominant role. The economic backdrop was brutal. Inflation, energy spikes, staff shortages, and reduced consumer spending combined to create near-impossible trading conditions.
Some potential mitigation steps might have included negotiating rent reductions, pivoting to a leaner operating model, or limiting expansion. However, by the time the financial challenges became unmanageable, there was little time or capital to implement those strategies effectively.
What Happens Next for Simon Rimmer?
Although Greens has closed, Simon Rimmer’s career continues. With a strong presence on British television and a loyal fan base, he is well-positioned to rebuild in new ways.
Possible Future Avenues for Simon Rimmer:
| Potential Direction | Description |
|---|---|
| Television Projects | Ongoing appearances on Sunday Brunch and potential new food shows |
| New Restaurants | Launching new ventures or pop-up dining concepts |
| Brand Collaborations | Partnering with food brands, retailers, or launching product lines |
| Publishing & Digital Media | Cookbooks, online cooking tutorials, or launching a food blog or YouTube |
While no new ventures have been confirmed as of now, Rimmer has the experience and credibility to explore innovative paths in food and media.
Why Was Greens So Important to Manchester’s Food Scene?
Greens was a trailblazer. When it launched in 1990, vegetarian restaurants were rare in the UK. Greens not only introduced innovative meat-free dishes but did so with flair, drawing both vegetarians and curious carnivores.
It achieved major recognition over the years:
- Featured in The Good Food Guide
- Listed as one of the UK’s best vegetarian restaurants in 2019 and 2023
- Became a staple for plant-based dining in Manchester
Greens contributed to making vegetarian dining more mainstream and inspired a generation of restaurants that followed. Its closure marks a cultural and culinary loss, not just for Manchester, but for the UK’s food landscape.
Are Other Celebrity Chef Ventures at Risk in the Current Economy?
Simon Rimmer’s experience is not isolated. Across the UK, many celebrity chef-led restaurants have struggled or shut down amid mounting financial pressures.
Celebrity branding does attract attention but doesn’t guarantee long-term sustainability. Hospitality businesses require a delicate balance of brand, operations, pricing, and footfall. In an economy affected by inflation and unpredictable consumer behaviour, even the most well-known names are vulnerable.
To adapt, many chefs are diversifying their income streams, reducing fixed overheads, or shifting towards digital-first food businesses. Rimmer’s collapse may be a warning to others: reputation and legacy must be supported by flexible, resilient business models.
Conclusion
The collapse of Greens marks more than just a restaurant closure; it’s the end of a visionary venture that helped shape Manchester’s food culture for over 30 years.
Despite its acclaim and loyal following, it couldn’t survive the mounting financial pressures of a changing economy. Simon Rimmer’s emotional response and the public’s reaction highlight its deep cultural value.
As the UK hospitality industry continues to evolve, Greens’ story stands as a lesson in resilience. For Rimmer, this is not the end, just the close of a significant chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Simon Rimmer’s restaurant chain go into administration?
A mix of high rent increases, rising operational costs, and declining consumer spending made it financially unsustainable.
Who were the main creditors affected by Greens’ collapse?
HMRC, trade suppliers, voucher holders, and Royal Bank of Scotland were among the key creditors.
Did the Sale branch of Greens perform well before it closed?
No, it underperformed compared to projections, and the cost base took too long to adjust to actual turnover.
How did the 35% rent increase affect Greens’ operations?
It significantly increased monthly costs at the Didsbury site, contributing to the financial crisis.
Was Greens profitable before the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes, the restaurant had years of strong profitability before the pandemic and expansion challenges.
What other celebrity chef restaurants have faced similar issues?
Many celebrity-led ventures in the UK have struggled due to rising costs, rent pressures, and post-pandemic changes.
Will Greens ever reopen under a new owner or name?
The business was sold to an unrelated company, but as of now, no plans for reopening have been confirmed.
