Gastrono-me in Bury St Edmunds shuts after 13 years

A Bury St Edmunds eatery has closed after 13 years and issued the ‘deepest, biggest, heartfelt thank you’ to customers.

Gastrono-me has bid farewell having been based in Abbeygate Street since 2018, after expanding from its previous home in St John’s Street.

It was founded by Mike and Gemma Simmonite and included a karaoke room.

A sign on the door said: “To all of you who have eaten, drunk, sung and celebrated with us over the last 13 years we say the deepest, biggest, heartfelt thank you.

“You have made this building vibrate with joy and for that we will always be grateful.

“We are immensely proud of what we’ve achieved, but a wiseman once said, ‘the skill in attending a party is knowing when it’s time to leave’.

“And as much as we love to hear those corks popping, we know it’s our time, and to close the doors for good.

“We know it’s sudden, but we want there to be no mistaking the fact that everyone will be paid.

“All of our fabulous team, and all of our loyal suppliers.

“And all of you who have placed party deposits with us, booked karaoke, or have outstanding vouchers.”

They said it will be an ongoing process over the next few weeks and asked for patience.

“Please may I also ask that you try to be kind, we know it’s completely gutting to have your plans changed, especially at Christmas,” they said.

“But know that this decision has not been made lightly or easily, and even though we know in our heads it’s the right thing to do, it’s undeniably difficult in our hearts.

“We have adored being a small part of all your lives, your unswerving dedication to our humble place has been richly measured in mimosas, hashes and pain perdu.

“We will forever cherish the fact that you felt you were ‘in the right place’ when visiting us. It’s now time to find a new place like that for ourselves.”