A family-run bistro is closing its doors for good.

Semolina in Baker Street, Brighton, announced it is closing on April 22.

Co-owners Orson Whitfield, 46, and his wife Linda, 38, said it is the right time to “close this chapter” as they focus on family life with their son Rocco, four.

Orson, who is the head chef, said their focus has changed since opening in November 2014.

The Argus: Orson Whitfield said their focus as a family has shiftedOrson Whitfield said their focus as a family has shifted (Image: The Argus)

He told The Argus: “My son Rocco starts school in September. I don’t want to work nights any more and I just don’t want to do those hours. I’m his dad and the chef here.

“I am switching to daytime hours so I can spend time with my wife and my son.

“During the lockdowns, he was only a year old and I got to witness a lot of his milestones. I made a decision then and we decided we would wait for the lease to run out and do it the right way so we don’t leave our landlord or customers in a pickle. It’s all fallen into place.

The Argus: Semolina has been in business since 2014Semolina has been in business since 2014 (Image: The Argus)

“We have a lot of great customers. We’re a small neighbourhood bistro and we probably got more exposure than we expected through word of mouth.

“It has been great but it takes a lot away from you. You have to sacrifice a lot as a family.

"When we started the business we didn’t have a child. But since having a child, our perspectives and our focus have changed. The business has given us a lot of focus and hard work.

“There have been ups and downs with Brexit and Covid but that’s most businesses.

“Now is the time for us to close this chapter and move to something else that is focused on family.

“Customers are slightly disappointed but they are very understanding too. They know our restaurant has always been built around our family.”

The cafe bistro has a team of seven. It serves a variety of seasonal goods and changes its menu every month.

Orson said he is “really looking forward” to his new structure of daytime hours.