Maidenhead councillor says years of uncertainty have 'pushed many independents to the brink'

A town centre councillor has said years of uncertainty have ‘pushed many independents to the brink’ after a long-established restaurant said it ‘couldn’t hold on any longer’ for regeneration.

On Monday, Noodle Nation, based at Grenfell Island, announced its closure ‘effective immediately’ after nearly two decades in the town.

In a statement posted on Facebook the business said it was being ‘squeezed from all angles’ and pointed to issues with the ‘ever-changing landscape of the town’.

The business, which serves up a fusion of Asian flavours through its noodle dishes, launched its first restaurant in High Wycombe in 2000 and later opened another venue in Maidenhead six years later.

The statement said: “This is a very sad and difficult goodbye to a community that we have been a part of for over 15 years.

“Our family have been very proud to have served you all.

“We love what we do, and we’ve grown, adapted and learned what makes a damn good Chinese with your
help.

“As an independent restaurant, we were being squeezed from all angles, and coupled with the ever-changing landscape of the town, this has made it difficult for us to make ends meet.

“We tried to navigate the situation over the last five years, but we just couldn’t hold on any longer for the regeneration.”

Ward councillor Gurch Singh (Lib Dem, St Mary’s) said the restaurant was a ‘staple in Maidenhead’ and their team brought ‘real energy and personality to the town’.

He added: “It’s a shame to see them go, but not surprising.

“Rising costs, shifting habits, and years of uncertainty have pushed many independents to the brink.”

He added the town had ‘lost valuable time’ while regeneration took place in nearby towns like Bracknell and High Wycombe.

But he said plans were progressing that could bring ‘better jobs, better amenities, and a town centre people actually want to spend time in’.

Cllr Singh said he would urge struggling businesses to reach out to the Royal Borough, and he is happy to ‘personally broker conversations if it helps’.

He added: “I genuinely hope the door is left open for Noodle Nation to return once the town has the footfall and buzz it deserves.”

The statement from Noodle Nation added: “We are grateful for the time we spent with you and give a heartfelt thanks to all of the lovely customers who have come through our doors, many of whom we have seen grow from kids to adults.

“You will be missed.”

Noodle Nation also said an ‘enormous thank you’ to all the members of the team both past and present.

“We couldn’t have done it without you and it’s been a privilege to have worked with so many brilliant people along our journey,” the statement added.

“You’ve helped us realise the dream with your hard work and dedication.

“However, all good things must come to an end and so for the last time…thank you for visiting Noodle Nation, we hope you enjoyed the food.”

The Noodle Nation in High Wycombe remains open.