Michelin-starred Bristol chef 'technically bankrupt' by Covid-19 restaurant closures

Josh Eggleton says the virus has accelerated plans to rethink the future of his business. Credit: ITV West Country

Celebrated chef Josh Eggleton has revealed how coronavirus has accelerated his plans to concentrate on working with society's more vulnerable people, even offering some free meals at his highly-acclaimed restaurants.

The 36-year-old has six restaurants in Bristol and the village of Chew Magna, all closed since the middle of March.

He has furloughed 150 staff and says he is suffering a loss in takings amounting to tens of thousands of pounds.

Eggleton thinks it'll be a year before his kitchen at the Pony & Trap gastropub will be fully operational again. Credit: ITV West Country

Eggleton has used the enforced shutdown to support the charity, Caring in Bristol, which has delivered 50,000 meals to the city's homeless and temporarily housed.

Meals are cooked daily at six locations and the food is donated by supermarkets and restaurants.

More than 50,000 meals have now gone to the homeless and vulnerable, thanks to Caring in Bristol. Credit: ITV West Country

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