The closure of Jack and Alice wine bar and restaurant in Farnham has divided the local community, with mixed opinions over its food and service.

Some have also praised the owners for their charitable efforts, which would be sorely missed in the town.

The business on The Borough announced it had closed on Friday with a message on its social media feed, as well as a note left on the door.

The trendy 'wine bar and pantry' opened in June 2023. It was the second branch of Jack and Alice after its original venue in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, which opened in 2015.

Many former patrons had varying experiences with the eatery. Some found the food “too pricey” or “substandard,” while others appreciated their meals, noting that “the staff were always lovely.”

One vocal critic, Phil Simpson, shared a more negative view, stating that he had found the restaurant “unwelcoming.”

Simpson, who has experience in the hospitality sector, blamed this on the young staff, whom he felt were disengaged and only concerned with completing their shifts.

“The standards are no longer there,” he said, adding that he believed the restaurant should have been more attuned to the expectations of Farnham’s diners.

Farnham Assist, a charity that supports older people in Farnham, felt differently about the restaurant.

A spokesperson said: “On several occasions, they quietly provided a fantastic two-course lunch for over 25 older people living alone in Farnham for only £5 because they genuinely wanted to give back to the local community.

“They also kindly provided two staff free of charge for an August event that we ran serving over 40 older people living alone. This must have been at significant cost to themselves despite the obvious financial challenges they were experiencing.”

The closure has left staff without work but Jay Brown, general manager of The Six Bells in Hale, has offered a helping hand.

He said: “I have a vast connection to nearly all of the pubs in the local area. If any of the staff can send me their details I will post then to a couple of groups linked to all the local pubs and I’m sure a lot of the landlords I know will be looking or need trained staff.”

He has also offered to help if he can with anyone who had booked Jack and Alice as a venue for a party.

“It’s hard being out of work so close after Christmas and it’s hard for customers to find places to cover parties or family gatherings at short notice,” he said.

The Herald has also reviewed the business's financial statement, revealing significant losses that may explain the closure in Farnham. For the year ending December 31, 2023, the business reported an operating loss of £196,754, which was adjusted to £146,891 after tax.

Staff at the Gerrards Cross branch of Jack and Alice declined to comment when contacted this week.