Famous Walnut Tree eatery closes

The owners say the restaurant's closure is only temporary

One of Wales' best known restaurants, The Walnut Tree Inn, near Abergavenny, has closed for business.

A statement on its website says the restaurant had to close at short notice "pending some reorganization" (sic).

The restaurant is credited by many in the industry with putting Wales on the culinary map and has been popular with food critics since the 1960s.

The Walnut Tree changed ownership in 2001 and went on to hold a Michelin star for two years running.

A statement on the restaurant's website read: "The Walnut Tree Inn is closed temporarily pending some reorganization.

"We apologize to our customers for having to close at short notice. Please watch this web site for the reopening date and an even better restaurant."

The new owners took over from Franco and Ann Taruschio, the couple who over more than 35 years made the restaurant, close to the Skirrid mountain, a household name.

Italian-born Mr Taruschio developed an international reputation as proprietor, promoting the use of quality local produce.

The restaurant appeared on Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nighmares

In 2003, Mr Taruschio, who worked in Italy, Switzerland and France before moving to Wales, was awarded an honorary OBE for his services to the culinary industry and to the community in Monmouthshire.

In 2000, the couple sold the business to current owner Francesco Mattioli and his then business partner and Michelin-starred chef, Stephen Terry, who has since left to set up on his own.

TV chef Gordon Ramsay featured The Walnut Tree in his Kitchen Nightmares series in 2004, clashing with Mr Mattioli over its menu and prices.

Mr Mattioli later said he was unhappy with the portrayal of his business.

It was voted best Italian restaurant in Britain at one time Food critic Colin Pressdee

Food critic and author Colin Pressdee said: "The Walnut Tree is such a famous restaurant. It has done an immense amount to put the area on the map.

"I first went there in the late 1960s and it was already very famous. It was voted best Italian restaurant in Britain at one time. Franco was a very difficult act to follow.

"The last time I was there was in late 2004. We had a very acceptable meal."

"I hope Francesco can sort his things out and get going again and continue to serve honest food at good prices."

The Walnut Tree put Wales on the culinary without a doubt Former chef Stephen Terry

Former chef Stephen Terry, who had previously worked with Marco Pierre White, is now proprietor of the Hardwick Restaurant, also in Abergavenny.

"The Walnut Tree put Wales on the culinary map without a doubt," he said.

"Franco and Ann were pioneers. They were cooking food in the early 60s that people had never heard of, using good local produce and Franco's Italian knowledge.

"I would like to see it continue as a restaurant. It's part of Abergavenny's heritage.

"If Francesco (Mattioli) can do it, that's even better. He deserves to take it forward."

The Western Mail newspaper reported that the owners remained "tight-lipped about reports of involuntary insolvency, saying only they had been advised by their receivers not to make any comment".