AN ISLE of Wight food experience is searching for a new home less than six weeks after launching in Brading.
The Low and Slow Co, led by chef Matt McIvor, has parted company with Cardinals Restaurant following what it described as "ongoing issues behind the scenes".
The barbecue business opened at Cardinals in late September — establishing its first permanent restaurant base, after building a strong following through pop-ups, festivals and catering events across the Island including at Sandown Boulevard.
Problems surfaced this week, however, resulting in closures on Wednesday and yesterday (Thursday) and raising questions over the future of the arrangement.
The development comes less than six weeks after The Low and Slow Co unveiled Cardinals as its new restaurant base and outlined ambitious plans for the Brading venue.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday (November 4), Matt apologised to customers after announcing the restaurant would not open that evening.
He posted: “There are ongoing issues behind the scenes, and we do not feel we can deliver the service you deserve this evening.
"Our partnership with Cardinals may be coming to an end, although nothing has been finalised.”
Yesterday, Matt and front-of-house manager, Daisy Mellor, said they had been unable to reach an agreement with Cardinals, and confirmed another day of closure.
“Closed today. We are extremely sorry to be letting customers down," their post read.
"We have been unable to reach an agreement with Cardinals over ongoing issues behind the scenes. We will share a fuller update soon.”
Today, the company has announced it has closed its Cardinals restaurant and faces a loss of 1,000 bookings.
The company is looking for alternative premises through a purchase, rental arrangement, or partnership with another venue.
“We are looking for new premises. Have a suitable space or want to discuss working together? Send us a message,” Matt posted.
Cardinals Restaurant has been approached for comment.
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