Michelin-starred chef calls for VAT cut for restaurants

Earlier this month, new Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, social clubs and music venues in England, telling them "the cavalry is coming".

Some hospitality firms welcomed the move but others in the industry, such as hotels and restaurants, questioned why the 20% cut to business rates would not extend to them.

Bains called for more action from the government to slash VAT rates.

"The VAT is the problem in the UK, especially in our industry," Bains said. "Twenty percent is probably one of the highest in the world.

"If we can get that reduced that's going to help.

"We've been running the business for 20 years and it's hard, it's the hardest it has ever been.

"But we are long-term businessmen and you have to take all the hits.

"Ultimately, it's up to the government, whatever we say doesn't matter."

He said high living costs had made people more cautious, with the restaurant's previous three-month waiting list now down to two weeks.

"People are booking closer to the time they want to eat.

"They are cautious because they don't know what the future holds, and I get it because we are all in the same boat," he said.