Gary Neville’s restaurant, The Man Behind the Curtain, has been forced into liquidation, following reported debts of over £1 million, including £519,000 owed to HMRC in taxes.
The establishment, which first opened in Leeds in 2014, has now closed its doors, leaving behind a financial mess for its co-owner, the Michelin-starred chef Michael O’Hare.
The restaurant, co-owned by Neville and O’Hare, was once a beacon of culinary excellence, with O’Hare at the helm earning a Michelin star for his inventive dishes.
However, a recent Statement of Affairs filed at Companies House reveals the dire financial state of the business.
The statement shows that the company owes £366,848, with £14,000 owed to banks and a director’s loan of £500,000 that remains “uncertain”.
O’Hare, who signed off on the documents, also reported just £9,500 in estimated assets for creditors.
In addition to £519,000 in tax debts, the company is facing two large unpaid bills from HMRC: one for £119,090 and another for £400,194. Despite these setbacks, O’Hare has continued operations under a new name, Psycho Sandbar, at the same location.
Gary Neville, who has a 50% stake in the restaurant through his company Relentless Leisure, has been involved in various business ventures since retiring from football, including property development and hospitality.
However, this marks a major setback in his restaurant ambitions. He had previously shared an interesting story of how his partnership with O’Hare began, recalling a meal where O’Hare handed him a bill with a note offering him 50% ownership of the restaurant.
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Despite the challenges, O’Hare is pushing ahead with his new venture, Psycho Sandbar, which has received praise for its innovative approach and culinary creativity.
Neville, who has a vast business portfolio that includes hotels, restaurants, and property development, continues to support his co-owner and has been vocal about the strength of O’Hare’s culinary skills.
While the future of The Man Behind the Curtain is now uncertain, O’Hare’s decision to pivot with a new venture shows his commitment to the Leeds restaurant scene.
Gary Neville’s other business interests remain strong, with successful ventures such as Hotel Football and Stock Exchange Hotel, along with his recent role as an investor on BBC’s Dragon’s Den.
