[Red Moon]

TV CHEF'S RESTAURANT CLOSES

The restaurant owned by celebrity chef John Burton Race has closed its doors, just days after viewers voted him off a reality TV show.

A notice has appeared in the window of Dartmouth's New Angel restaurant, saying it is no longer open for business.

It is understood staff were paid their final wages last night, because the restaurant was unable to remain open amid severe financial pressures. The news comes just days after Mr Burton Race was evicted from ITV's I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.

It is thought the chef was still in Australia. He was unavailable for comment on the closure.

In March, the chef left his wife and six children for his mistress, Suzi Ward, and the two-year-old son he fathered.

His estranged wife and business partner, Kim Burton Race, declined to comment on the restaurant's closure. Last night, New Angel staff confirmed they were told the restaurant would shut from Sunday night.

Waiters and chefs told the WMN that a meeting had taken place with all the staff where they were given their wages and P45s.

A Polish employee, who did not want to be named said: "It's rubbish. We were told Sunday that the restaurant would close just like that. They can't do it - it's too short notice."

Another Polish waiter, who has been working for the New Angel for six months, said: "We tried to called John in Australia but the TV production told us we couldn't contact him. I'm annoyed because I have just lost my job overnight and I don't understand why."

Litter bags were put outside the door to block the entrance to the restaurant and a sign was put on the window alerting customers the New Angel was now closed.

The sign read: "It is with deep regret that as of Tuesday 27th November 2007 the New Angel restaurant and rooms will cease trading. Please direct all enquiries to John Burton Race."

The WMN tried to contact Mr Burton Race on a mobile number on the sign but there was no answer.

About 15 to 20 people were working at the New Angel.

Source: This is Cornwall