Gary Neville forced to close Michelin star restaurant in Leeds after rising debts

has had to close his upscale Leeds dining establishment, The Man Behind the Curtain, due to increasing debts. Since retiring from football, the ex- icon has dived into several commercial projects, including this eatery which opened its doors in 2014.

Chef Michael O'Hare, known for Masterchef fame, ran the Michelin-starred restaurant. Neville, via Relentless Leisure, owned a fifty per cent stake in the business.

Unfortunately, the venture has suffered financial setbacks. A Statement of Affairs lodged at Companies House revealed a debt of £366,848.

An estimated £9,500 in assets are owed to creditors, and a £500,000 director's loan repayment is marked as 'uncertain'. Additionally, fixtures and fittings valued at approximately £152,973 also bear an 'uncertain' tag for recuperation.

Banks are reportedly owed £14,000, while HMRC lays claim to hefty unpaid sums: one bill of £119,090 and another rising to £400,194. While 2023's fiscal reports for Neville's restaurant endeavour are yet to be filed, figures from 2022 displayed a profit of £187,000 with reserves stated to be £105,938.

Nevertheless, there appears to be life in the venue still, albeit under new management. Earlier this year, a LinkedIn update from Neville reflected on the partnership with O'Hare: "A few years ago I signed one of the most instinctive and incredible deals that I've ever done when I went into partnership with Michael O'Hare on 'The Man Behind The Curtain' restaurant in Leeds.

"At the end of a meal I had at the restaurant, Michael presented me with the bill, but it wasn't a normal bill, it was a bill that had a figure on it accompanied with a note that said this will give you 50% of the restaurant. From that moment on I was the co-owner of a Michelin star restaurant in Leeds!

"Fast forward to today and it's taken a brave and courageous decision for Michael to give up his Michelin star and open a new restaurant, Psycho Sandbar, that I went to earlier on in the week.

"It's a sensational restaurant with an unbelievable experience and a brilliant job from Michael and his team. If you ever get the chance to visit, I highly recommend it."

The closure of the restaurant is Neville's latest blow. The company behind Cafe Football - a venture between the former defender and ex-teammate Ryan Giggs - was formally dissolved last year.

His Hotel Football venture also lost another £600,000 in the most recent financial year despite a record turnover.