Families arranging simchahs this year have suffered a blow with the closures of three popular party venues.
The Kensington Roof Gardens and Gilgamesh, both in London, closed this month, and Bushey Country Club, in Hertfordshire, is due to shut down in April.
Virgin, which has operated the Roof Gardens since the early 1980s, told the JC that said that the decision to close had been taken “in the face of unpredictable market conditions and a challenge to remain profitable”.
A spokesperson said that “all deposits have been returned to guests and agents” and that no bookings were taken after the decision to close was reached in December.
Gilgamesh shut up shop indefinitely last Saturday, to undergo “major building refurbishment”.
A spokesman for the owners of the Asian fusion restaurant said: “This is not the end of Gilgamesh at all. It is merely taking a break. The Gilgamesh brand is so loved that it will be reappearing soon.”
There were no outstanding simcha bookings and Gilgamesh said that those requesting reservations will be offered tables in either of its two nearby sister restaurants, Shaka Zulu and Gabeto.
Bushey Country Club will close on April 1 due to continuing financial losses. Last year the council-run Hertsmere Leisure Trust, which manages the club, reported a shortfall of almost £700,000.
The trust said bookings made for after the closing date would be dealt with on an individual basis, with some facilities available for relocating events.
One couple, who are getting married in August, said their plans had been disrupted by the Roof Gardens’ closure.
Nick Levine and his fiancée, who did not wish to be named, are currently attempting to secure the return of their deposit from a wedding planner after booking their reception at the Kensington venue.
Mr Levine, a business consultant from North London, said: “You’ve got the actual cost of the deposit, and then there are other costs we will not be able to reclaim, things like hotel rooms.
“We’re hopeful of still doing something on that same day, but now our options are massively limited, because it’s only eight months away.”
