Harry Ramsden's original restaurant set to close

The original UK Harry Ramsden's restaurant is to close after 83 years in business because it is losing money.

The first branch opened in Guisely, Leeds in 1928 but the fish and chips chain said it was losing money and needed a "considerable investment" before it could return to profit, according to the BBC.

The firm's chief executive Joe Teixeira said that although the Harry Ramsden's brand remains strong, it is not immune to the challenging economic environment.

"The Guiseley restaurant is making a loss and needs a considerable investment before it could potentially become profitable again," he said.

"This has been a difficult decision that has not been taken lightly, especially given the wonderful, affectionate support Harry's in Guiseley has enjoyed from its customers and staff. But we have to face the economic reality that it is loss-making.

"I appreciate that this news will be deeply upsetting and stressful for our staff. We are giving them as much information as possible and doing whatever we can to help them through what will be a traumatic period for them."

The company said it had now launched a 30-day consultation period over the proposed closure. There are currently 35 Harry Ramsden's restaurants in the UK.

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By Janie Stamford

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