A restaurant described as “best in the UK” has confirmed closure plans after 10 years in a seaside town. Ojo Rojo opened in Bournemouth in around 2016 and moved into the town’s Royal Exeter Hotel last November. Co-founder Trevor Hill said the Mexican restaurant would shut for good in June in a post this week, however, thanking customers for their “incredible” support.
“The building is under new ownership and they have plans that simply don’t include us,” he wrote. “Therefore, we have been given our notice to close the restaurant. After such incredible support with our move in to this space, it comes as such a massive blow, but unfortunately it’s just not something we have any kind of control over.”
Mr Hill continued: “Every single person on this team loves what we’ve built here and we’re not going to go quietly.
“We’re going to have a full room, loud music and the best five weeks we could ever have.”
He added that he and co-founder JJ Adams were “insanely proud” of the bar’s success, including earning spots in the UK Top 50 Cocktail Bars ranking across multiple years.
The Royal Exeter Hotel was recently taken over by property developer Richard Carr, according to the Bournemouth Echo.
One recent visitor hailed Ojo Rojo on TripAdvisor as the “best Mexican in the UK” and “the nicest restaurant I have ever been to in my whole 25 years of living”.
They added: “I love Mexican food but this was just another level. A bowl of nachos with 16 flavours is something I’ve never experienced before. The cocktails made my nerves tingle, they were that good.”
Another said it was “one of the only reasons to visit Bournemouth”, though “sadly, not for long”. They wrote: “Very fond memories of this absolute capsule of creativity, heart, soul and inspiration.
“From the unique flavours on offer through both the food menu and masterful cocktails, to the unique atmosphere and constant feeling of life throughout the building, it has always stood out from other restaurants in the area.”
Locals also said they were “heartbroken” to hear of the closure news.
One wrote: “I can’t believe it. All the time and love poured into this place.”
Another added: “I’m so gutted for you all. You’ve all worked so hard and been amazing. Ojo Rojo means so much to so many people, and that’s because of the staff and the ethos. It will never be forgotten.”
