Hank's Colchester ceases trading after investor trouble

Hank’s Colchester, in Culver Street West, says it will close after trouble with investment in the business. 

The firm's owners took to the brand's Facebook page to confirm its restaurant and most of its counterparts in the UK will stop trading for the time being.

The popular restaurant, which opened in July 2021, and offered every item on its menu is 100 per cent vegan.

Owned by Geoffrey Bligh and Philip Rivers, there are also Hank’s restaurants in Ipswich, Cambridge,  Felixstowe, and Norwich.

Geoffrey said the business had been heading into a “successful summer season” with the Colchester establishment’s refurb, live music in Ipswich, and new technology being implemented, and even franchising.

Tasty - a vegan burger

According to the vegan restaurant chain, the changes were being funded by a new business investment that was to be brought into effect in early May.

But after a small delay, the company facilitating this investment delayed the payment by three months at the very last moment.

The “shock” decision has had a “huge impact on the business” and now a significant amount of money has already been spent on these projects.

Hank’s has now been left in a "bankrupt situation" according to the statement.

Geoffrey said: “Sadly, it has not been possible to find a way around what has happened.

Colchester - Hank's (Image: Hank's Colchester)

“After five years, I've had to make the awful decision to stop trading.

“My sincere thoughts are with our incredible team who've played such an important part of the business, and who through no fault of their own, have found themselves out of work.

“And with our customers, who made Hank's such a wonderful place to work."

Geoffrey Bligh and partner Philip Rivers

It has been confirmed that Hank’s Dirty Cambridge will continue to operate and deliver Hank’s vegan menu, and jobs will be saved at this location.

He also said: “At this time, all other Hank's locations will cease trading.”

Anyone with questions or concerns is advised to email hi@hanksdirty.

This follows on from the news Hank’s Colchester’s was set to undergo a refurb with the restaurant due to be closed until later in May. 

During the closure, the restaurant was planning on installing a brand new bar area on the second floor.

A space was also being transformed into a lounge area where full table service would be provided.

Gazette reader, Nicola Jane, commented on the news.

She said: "Their investors pulled out, such a shame, the food and people were amazing and it was really popular too, I feel for the owners and all the staff."

Colchester vegan Dean Frost, said: "I'm shocked by the statement, and really sad to lose a great independent vegan business."