BBC MasterChef judge forced to close restaurant ‘with a heavy heart’ after seven years – leaving fans devastated

A MASTERCHEF judge has revealed she's been forced to close down her restaurant leaving fans devastated.

Monica Galetti has shocked her followers by announcing the closure of Mere in London.

The New Zealand native, who is a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, opened the restaurant in 2017.

It was a joined venture with her husband David, but now there's just days until the restaurant closes its doors.

In a post on social media, the couple said: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of Mere restaurant- but we feel this is the right time after 7yrs!

"We want to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly thank Alastair Storey and everyone who has supported us and our loyal patrons and dedicated staff throughout this journey.

"To our customers we thank you for your loyal and joyous visits. We hope to raise one last glass together before we close.
Our last service will be Tuesday 16 April 2024.

"To our Mere Team, the greatest gratitude for all your devotion, passion, love and laughter shared together, you will always be Family to Us.

“Here’s to the next adventure!”

Customers and fans of Monica have been left devastated by the shock announcement and flooded social media with comments.

One said: "No we’ve only been once and loved it….we had hoped to be back soon."

A second wrote: "Oh no my husbands and my favourite restaurant!"

"What is going on. Marcus, Michel jnr and now Monica 😱 is it the curse of Masterchef," said a third.

While a fourth commented: "I came to your opening night, your one year anniversary and other times since then. One of my absolute favourite restaurants. Absolutely gutted by this news."

Mere had amassed a whopping 60,000 followers and is described as being an "elegant, restaurant & bar, celebrating Monica’s heritage from the South Pacific Island of Samoa",