Gary Neville’s Leeds-based Michelin-star restaurant, The Man Behind the Curtain, has gone into liquidation, saddled with debts exceeding £1 million, including significant unpaid taxes. The restaurant, co-owned by Neville and run by celebrity chef Michael O’Hare, closed at the end of 2023 amid mounting financial struggles, marking another challenging chapter for Neville’s hospitality ventures.
The Rise and Fall of The Man Behind the Curtain
Launched in 2014, The Man Behind the Curtain was praised for its modern, experimental menu crafted by chef Michael O’Hare, earning a Michelin star just a year after opening. Known for unique creations like olives in edible cellophane and salt and vinegar ox cheek, the restaurant became a favorite among foodies and attracted investment from former Manchester United star Gary Neville, who acquired a 50% stake after being captivated by O’Hare’s vision.
Yet after nearly a decade, the acclaimed restaurant closed its doors at the end of 2023, burdened by insurmountable financial issues. According to documents filed with Companies House, the restaurant owed £1 million to creditors, including £519,000 in taxes to HMRC. Neville’s own company, Relentless Leisure, is owed £366,848, with additional debts owed to banks, suppliers, and O’Hare himself, who issued a director’s loan valued at £500,000, though repayment is uncertain.
“The restaurant was an amazing journey, but the time has come to close this chapter,” Neville reflected in a statement earlier this year.
Liquidation Details: A Heavy Financial Burden
The financial report reveals that The Man Behind the Curtain held only £9,500 in assets for creditors, a mere fraction of its substantial debts. The restaurant’s fixtures and fittings, valued at £152,973, were described as “uncertain” assets, unlikely to fully cover the mounting liabilities. The Statement of Affairs also includes two significant tax bills to HMRC — £119,090 and £400,194 — making tax obligations one of the largest debts for the struggling business.
The restaurant’s 2022 accounts reported a profit of £187,000, with reserves of £105,938, but it faced mounting pressures in 2023 as the UK’s hospitality industry battled inflation, labor shortages, and rising costs. For Neville and O’Hare, the restaurant’s financial collapse underscores the challenges faced by high-end dining establishments in a volatile market.
“It’s a hard reality for the industry,” O’Hare commented, alluding to shifts in the dining landscape.
A New Start for O’Hare with Psycho Sandbar
Following the closure of The Man Behind the Curtain, Michael O’Hare has already opened a new venture in Leeds, Psycho Sandbar, which brings a different culinary approach to the city. While the details of the new restaurant’s concept remain under wraps, O’Hare shared that his latest venture reflects his desire to evolve with changing consumer tastes.
Speaking about the transition, O’Hare acknowledged his pride in The Man Behind the Curtain and the years of hard work by his team. “The decision to move on was tough, but it’s part of a bigger vision for the future,” he said. Psycho Sandbar aims to provide a fresh experience for Leeds diners, promising innovation in both flavor and presentation.
“Michael’s passion for new concepts is inspiring,” Neville said, praising his former partner’s resilience and wishing him success with his new venture.
Financial Setbacks in Neville’s Business Empire
For Gary Neville, the liquidation of The Man Behind the Curtain adds to recent setbacks in his hospitality portfolio. Known for his ventures into property development, digital media, and luxury hotels, Neville’s entrepreneurial career has been marked by both achievements and challenges. His Manchester-based Hotel Football, co-owned with former teammate Ryan Giggs, lost £1.1 million in 2021 and £2.1 million in 2020 due to the pandemic’s impact.
Neville has also faced criticism for staffing practices, with reports that some employees at his high-end hotels earn minimum wage, despite the hotels charging up to £800 per night. The Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester and his investment in Salford City football club are other prominent aspects of his portfolio, but the hospitality segment has encountered several controversies and losses.
“The pandemic hit our financials drastically,” Neville acknowledged, citing ongoing challenges with inflation and labor shortages.
A Difficult Chapter in Neville’s Business Journey
The liquidation of The Man Behind the Curtain marks a sobering moment for both Gary Neville and Michael O’Hare. While O’Hare has swiftly moved forward with a new concept, Neville faces ongoing challenges as he navigates his hospitality empire through difficult economic conditions. This latest setback serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in high-end dining and hospitality ventures, especially in today’s climate.
Despite these challenges, Neville remains optimistic about his business interests, affirming his commitment to future projects. As he and O’Hare close this chapter, their experiences highlight the resilience required to thrive in the competitive world of hospitality.
