Michelin chef forced to lock himself in kitchen following threats for being closed

We are all hungry. Not just in the sense that we need sustenance, but we have been in lockdown for about 400 years and we are hungry to get out and about and do the things we normally do – including eating out.

This is no excuse for some of the behaviour being reported from people who can either not wait, or who refuse to take no for an answer. One of the most extreme examples of this was seen outside renowned patisserie Melin Llynnon Mill, in Anglesea.

Head chef, Richard Holt, has taken the decision to stay closed for the time being, saying, "We are closed by choice because I personally believe it’s not the right time to be easing the rules. I don’t blame all the other places for opening because remaining closed is causing us some genuine hardship. Thankfully none of my family have underlying health conditions, so it’s just a matter of public safety. We have signs everywhere and a great big barrier that says 'closed'.

So what happened?

This didn't stop one overzealous tourist and his son from attempting to break in to the place on their visit. Despite signs everywhere saying they were closed, the man had seen Richard working in the kitchen and decided to climb the fence to try to get in. When Richard informed the man, through the window, that they were closed, it became apparent he was taking no notice, so he decided to go out and speak to him.

The hungry chap took exception to the fact that they had decided to remain closed and unleashed a torrent of verbal abuse on the chef. There was no reasoning with him, as he moved closer and got louder, swearing and offering up threats of violence, despite his young son standing by.

Richard decided to back down and locked himself in the kitchen where he watched the man put the child in the car, where his wife sat, and return to the door of the Patisserie. At this point he called the police. This was noticed by the assailant's wife who persuaded him to get back in the car and they left.

Richard was keen to assure everyone that he loves working with the public, including tourists, saying, "Some of the best people I met last year were tourists. I love visitors and I am completely dedicated to Anglesey tourism. This is a one in a million kind of scenario and it certainly has not put me off continuing in this industry.”

Although he has said he will be reviewing the business's safety measures.

Richard's pastries are amazing, which is why people come from far and wide to try them, but this is absolutely unacceptable and we really all need to get a sense of perspective.

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