Nottingham restaurant Oscar & Rosie’s to close as cost of living crisis ‘too much to deal with’

A Nottingham restaurant, first started by a lawyer as a pop-up 10 years ago, has announced it is to close as the cost of living crisis has proved too much to deal with. Oscar & Rosie’s is known for its pizzas, not least the show-stopping one metre pizza.

The restaurant, in Stoney Street, will shut its doors on Saturday, May 27. Founder Olly Hunter was working as a defence lawyer when he started making pizzas in 2013. After building up a loyal following at a pop-up at the Picnic Basket and a residency at Das Kino, he went on to open his own place in Thurland Street before moving to the present home in 2017 with its striking wall of Private Eye front covers.

Quality, premium ingredients have been at the heart of the business since Olly was dissatisfied with “plastic-like toppings” on pizzas and thought he could do better. Favourites include Boom Chicken Wah Wah, Meat Sweats and Checkpoint.

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He announced the closure on Oscar & Rosie’s Instagram page, saying: “Bad news I’m afraid… After 10 years, 4 locations, 3 weddings and innumerable magic moments, Oscar & Rosie’s will close its doors for the last time next Saturday 27th May. We survived the pandemic but sadly the cost of living crisis has proved too just much to deal with.

“That gives us a week and 2 weekends left together and it’d be nice to see as many as possible of you before then for one last Boom Chicken, a final frosty Budvar and a valedictory selfie in front of the Private Eye wall. Or whatever it is you most like to do here.

“I’ve lost track of the number of friends I’ve made and the adventures I’ve had on this decade long bat s*** roller coaster ride, but nothing lasts forever and perhaps, on reflection, this is as good a time as any to move on to new things. I hope you’ve all enjoyed it as much as I have. I’m sure I’ll pen some sort of heartfelt sign off closer to the time but for now I just wanted to let you all know. Hope to see you.”

The announcement prompted an outpouring of love. Things to do in Nottingham said: “That’s very sad to hear, a real loss to Nottingham. Wishing you the best of luck with your next adventure.”

Another fan posted: “Might have to have a week where I eat nothing but O&R pizza for every meal. Not sure how I will deal with this loss. So many incredible memories over the last 10 years. Nottingham will never be the same.”

Competition for pizza in Nottingham is rife, with a raft of new openings recently – both independents and chains. Pizza Punks, Slice ‘n’ Brew, Pizza Pilgrims and have all opened their doors within the last six months. That’s on top of Pizzamisu, Happy Dough Lucky, Solo Grano and chains Pizza Express, Zizzi and Wildwood.

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