AN Italian restaurant chain has closed down all of its sites after nearly six years on the high street.
Officina 00 was a popular pasta joint with three locations across Covent Garden, Fitzrovia and Old Street.
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Officina OO had three sites across the UK.
It charged around £15 for posh pasta dishes such as curly pappardelle and killer bucatini.
Owner Elia Sebregondi took to Instagram last week to share news that the business was no more.
He said: “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Officina 00 restaurants have now permanently closed.
“I have done everything in my power to overcome the many challenges faced in the last few months, but despite all efforts I have been forced to close down.”
The news left diners heartbroken with many describing it as a “big loss”.
While another upset local said: “I can’t believe this. I was just speaking to someone about how great your pasta was earlier this week.”
A third said: “This is devastating news. We loved visiting your restaurants.”
And a fourth person said: “The best pasta in London.. how sad for all.”
The chain first opened its first site in Old Street in 2019 and went on to open more two more branches.
Its latest location in Covent Garden only just opened back in March.
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It is not the only independent chain to fall on hard times.
Chick ‘n’ Sours has closed its remaining restaurants in Haggerston and Seven Dials in London.
But the chain is continuing its residencies at the Roof East and Corner Corner food halls.
Chick ‘n’ Sours will also still be available on Deliveroo, with the brand also appearing at UK festivals and live music events.
TROUBLE IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY
Chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses have also been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic.
As a result, a number of chains have been forced to close down or reduce their estate.
The Cosy Club at Ipswich’s Buttermarket Shopping Centre has announced it made the “very difficult decision” to close doors on May 31.
The Browns Bar and Brasserie on Duke Street also closed its Brighton branch in May due to an issue with the venues lease expiring which could not be resolved.
Turtle Bay also shut its Blackburn site, which first opened in 2017, earlier this year.
How to save money eating out
THERE are a number of ways that you can save money when eating out. Here’s how:
Discount codes – Check sites like Sun Vouchers or VoucherCodes for any discount codes you can use to get money off your order.
Tastecard – This is a members club where you pay to have access to discounts worth up to 50 per cent off at thousands of restaurants. It costs £4.99 a month or £34.99 for the year.
Loyalty schemes – Some restaurants will reward you with discounts or a free meal if you register with their loyalty scheme, such as Nando’s where you can collect a stamp with every visit. Some chains like Pizza Express will send you discounts for special occasions, such as your birthday, if you sign up to their newsletter.
Voucher schemes – Look out for voucher schemes offered by third party firms, such as Meerkat Meals. If you compare and buy a product through CompareTheMarket.com then you’ll be rewarded with access to the discount scheme. You’ll get 2 for 1 meals at certain restaurants through Sunday to Thursday.
Student discounts – If you’re in full-time education or a member of the National Students Union then you may be able to get a discount of up to 15 per cent off the bill. It’s always worth asking before you place your order.