Prestatyn restaurant closes amid business rates concerns

Patagonia Welsh Roots, which was based at 96 High Street, confirmed its closure yesterday (July 21), attributing its decision in part to the cost of business rates.

The restaurant, which prided itself on using as much Welsh produce as possible, was run by Jamie and Julie Hyslop, and received a TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award in 2023.

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Julie said: “We’ve had a blast over the last five years – navigating COVID, becoming a delivery driver on a Sunday morning, and takeaways during the evening, something I thought we'd never do.

“All of our staff, past and present, worked hard to help us achieve our number one status in the local area, and achieve many awards and accolades along the way.

“We have been proud of every dish we ever served, from the first steak to last-night final portion of churros.

“Over recent weeks, we have decided to put our family first. The change in political landscape has concerned us, as we believe that the business rates system needs to be radically reviewed to incorporate online businesses, too.

“Also, the recent hike in car park charges need addressing, as this is only pushing residents away from the High Street and on to the retail parks, where the larger-chain companies have greater buying power.

“As an independent retailer, we have been thoroughly let down. No doubt, other local businesses feel the same.”

Patagonia Welsh Roots’ chicken wings (foreground) and wild garlic mushrooms (background) dishes (Image: Julie Hyslop)

Julie said that, due to the amount of windows at the premises, the restaurant was “on the highest rateable value” in terms of business rates.

This value, she said, has “gone up by a couple of hundred pounds a month”.

She added: “We couldn't be prouder of our staff, and are grateful for our wonderful customers and overwhelmed with the hundreds of comments since announcing our closure.

“We wish all of our customers well, and thank them immensely for their support over the last five years.”

Julie said all future bookings at the restaurant will be cancelled and can be refunded, as can all deposits and valid vouchers.

For any further correspondence, please email booking@patagonia.wales.

In a statement on its Facebook page, Patagonia Welsh Roots added: “We have decided, for personal reasons, that this is the best decision for us as a family going forward.

“Whilst we understand this may come as something of a shock to you all, it is the right thing for us at this juncture in our lives.

“We will promptly deal with all future bookings and deposit repayments over the course of the next few days, so please bear with us for a short while as we get through to everyone.

“Your support, reviews, repeat custom and friendship has been immeasurable.

“Our time at Patagonia will always be remembered fondly, and we sincerely hope you remember the good times you've spent with us fondly, too.”

Gareth Davies, MS for Vale of Clwyd, argued against the cuts to rate relief in the Senedd, and has been representing numerous businesses in Prestatyn who told him they are struggling to stay afloat with high business rates and the cut to rate relief.

He wrote to the cabinet secretary for economy two weeks ago regarding this.

Mr Davies said: “I am hugely disappointed, but not surprised, at the recent closure of the outstanding Patagonia steakhouse in Prestatyn.

“Many businesses have reached out to me expressing their anxiety, with many traders facing closure following the Welsh Government’s irresponsible decision to cut business rate relief.

“Business owners in England are entitled to 35 per cent more business rate relief than business owners in Wales, which is simply unfair and puts us at a disadvantage.

“I was vocal in my opposition to business rate relief cuts in the Senedd and I continue to be now, and I would urge all businesses struggling with business rates to contact me and I will make your voice heard to the Welsh Government.”