Top Wirral restaurant closes pending coronavirus test result

The highly acclaimed Fraiche restaurant in Oxton Village confirmed the precautionary move yesterday afternoon via their Twitter feed.

The decision was taken after it emerged that a key member of staff had come into contact with somebody outside the restaurant who is now awaiting the results of a test for the virus.

Fraiche chef Marc Wilkinson

In a statement, celebrated chef Marc Wilkinson said: "It is with great regret that I have to inform you all that due to events beyond my control I have taken the decision to cancel all reservations scheduled for this week.

"The safety of my guests is of paramount importance and this decision has not been taken lightly.

"Unfortunately, during a day off from the restaurant on Sunday, a key member of my Front of house team was unknowingly in contact with somebody who is now awaiting results of a test for Covid 19. The staff member is currently well and asymptomatic, but for the health and wellbeing of all my staff and guests I will remain closed to diners until the test results are available.

"I must stress that all guest who have either visited or dined at Fraiche over the last couple of weeks have absolutely nothing at all to be concerned about, as this contact took place outside the restaurant very recently and while we were closed.

"As most of you know we operate a very small team here and it is simply not feasible to try to open without being fully staffed and able to offer the levels of service expected of us.

"I'm incredibly sorry to let down our guests this week, but I would rather be open and honest with you all and ensure that Fraiche remains as safe an environment as it can be for us all."

Fraiche was placed at the top of Harden's Best UK Restaurants for 2020 in a diners poll published last December.