Ramsbottom restaurant says it 'invested everything' as it issues heartbreaking message

The owners of a Ramsbottom restaurant have announced its closure, just one year after opening. El Carnero on Peel Brow opened its doors last summer, but the site will now be passed on to new owners. El Carnero's owners issued a statement on social media yesterday saying that after a "lot of soul searching" and "sleepless nights" they had to close their doors. They said that despite their best efforts the challenges were too great and it became financially unviable for them.

Last July, Matt Oliver and his family took over the site which was for a long time known as the Hearth of the Ram. However that went up for sale in 2003 and was first reopened as the White Rabbit, a 'cosy bar-restaurant with a log fire, a beer garden and smartly presented, British-inspired cuisine'. Click here for the latest on Manchester's food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter However, last summer, the more than 200-year-old venue was taken over by Matt and reopened as El Carnero, focusing on 'Mediterranean social dining' with small plates, tapas and a range of beers, wines and cocktails. Matt, who is originally from Rochdale but also lived in Bolton before settling in Ramsbottom previously told the Manchester Evening News at the time that it has been his 'dream' to open a hospitality venue in the town .

He had also run his own takeaways and pizzeria, and Loft 24, a restaurant and cocktail bar in Westhoughton, Bolton. Plans were for him to head up the new venue alongside his mum who is a chef, as well as his dad, sister, and family friends.

However in an update shared yesterday, he confirmed that they would be closing. "After a lot of soul searching & sleepless nights it is with great sadness that we have to announce that El Carnero has closed its doors," he wrote. "On the start of this journey we invested everything we had, not just financially but emotionally into creating a family run restaurant for the people of Ramsbottom to enjoy. Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts, the challenges of running an independent restaurant have become too great & it has reached a point where it is no longer financially possible.

"We are incredibly grateful to our amazing team, every customer who has dined with us, supported us, shared kind words & believed in what we were trying to build. "Whilst this chapter has come to an end for El Carnero, the venue will continue under new ownership & further details will be announced by the new owners Wes & Emma. Anyone who has a function arranged or has valid vouchers need not worry as these will be honoured & kept the same where appropriate by Wes & Emma as a courtesy. "Thank you everyone who has been part of the El Carnero Journey and we know you will give Wes & Emma the full support you gave us.

Thank you." Nestled in the heart of Ramsbottom, El Carnero brought a Mediterranean spirit to 13 Peel Brow. Diners were able to enjoy plates designed for shared plates, wood-fired pizzas, excellent wines, Mediterranean beers, and handcrafted cocktails, plus house-made sangria. The name of the venture meant 'ram' in Spanish and Matt and the team wanted a name that nodded to the town. And when choosing the location, Matt had said he believed locals were keen for the venue to reopen rather than lie empty.

Responding to the news on Facebook, one commenter wrote: "So sorry for you. Seems virtually impossible to run a hospitality business and make money in the current climate. All the best for the future." Another wrote: "Always makes me so sad to see yet another establishment who has invested so much have to close. I hope you and your family can rebuild and take some time to heal.

Enjoyed a few meals and drinks with you. Best of luck to you all on what comes next." And a third added: "As a business owner I know how much effort and emotion goes in keeping things running. Best of luck with your next venture."