Top chef is closing Michelin-rated restaurant in Shropshire after losing taste and smell to Covid - Daily Mail
A top chef is closing his Michelin-rated restaurant after losing his sense of taste and smell due to contracting Covid.
Pots simmer and pans sizzle in the kitchens, but Mark Sebastian Fisher cannot personally sample the dishes before customers are served as he is unable tell how good or bad they are.
He has to ask his wife Michelle or the staff to do it for him.
Now Sebastians Restaurant With Rooms, in Oswestry, Shropshire, is closing after the last meals are served on New Year's Eve.
Sebastians has enjoyed two AA Rosettes, two forks in the Michelin guide, coveted spots in food guides including The Good Food Guide and five-star reviews on Trip Advisor.
'I lost all sense of taste and smell due to Covid and now I'm reliant on other members of family and staff before we send food out' he said.
He and wife Michelle decided it was time to step down, but the bed and breakfast will continue.
'We have been here for 33 years, I'll be 55 next year' said Mark, who trained with top chefs in France and Switzerland.
'Our three children have had to work here, practically since they were born, and they are at a time where they all have full-time jobs, and we want them to go and do their own thing.
'Costs are going to be crippling for restaurants next year, so I think you will find a lot of restaurants will be closing.'
He said there is a chance the restaurant could re-open at a later date, but for now it is time to slow down.
Sebastians is now fully booked until the end of the year and has a waiting list of approximately 150 people.
From the New Year onwards, the restaurant will no longer be opening on a weekly basis and will just offer accommodation and breakfast.
In a message to customers, the couple said 'The restaurant has doubled in size along with the courtyard and the addition of bedrooms, all in keeping with history of the building dating back to the 17th century.
Left:ย Popular starter of warm lavender glazed duck served with compressed pears & a fennel purรฉe. Right:ย A desert offered at Sebastians
'Breakfasts, French bistro lunches and dinners, menus written in French, Christmas hampers, seafood extravaganzas to Sebastians outside, in marquees, on trains and even from the back of our car in more recent times. We have been lucky enough to try it all.
'It has also given us the pleasure of welcoming thousands of guests to our restaurant, many of whom have returned more than once to share in their celebrations, whether it has been milestone birthdays, a wedding anniversary or just for a special treat.
'However, we have decided that the time is right to slow down a little. Our children, who have increasingly become part of Sebastians over the last few years, have now finished university and are starting their careers outside of Oswestry.
'The last few years, in particular, have also shown us the importance of taking some more time for ourselves.
'From the New Year onwards, our restaurant will no longer be open on a weekly basis.
'We will just be offering accommodation, breakfast and the occasional restaurant event throughout the year.'
The restaurant is booked up until New Year's Eve, with a cancellation list in operation, but will cease to offer its usual five-course menu on Friday, December 23.
'We love what we do and are so grateful for all the support we have had over the last 33 years.
'We look forward to continuing to be part of your special occasions over the next few months and offering the 'Sebastians Experience in a slightly different way.'
Customers and the local community have taken to Facebook to bid farewell to the restaurant and share memories of their visits.
Sally Stewart wrote 'I've only ever been once and it was lovely, tried to get a table many times but you're always fully booked which is frustrating but also fantastic for business.
'I'm sure you'll be deeply missed as there is very little outstanding places to eat in Oswestry. Enjoy your semi retirement.'
Deb Lovell said 'Thank you for looking after us all over the past 20 years.
'It has, and will remain our favourite place to celebrate with loved ones at special times in our lives. We look forward to hearing your plans for the future.'
