Restaurant SOS: Hampshire's Nook and Cranny Crisis |Absolute Reality
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- Alex and Oliver head to Hampshire in a bid to help save the Nook and Cranny Restaurant. Having spent his professional career as head chef in other people's kitchens, Malcolm decided to fulfill his ambition to run his own restaurant. But three years down the line his dream of having a successful business to support his wife and seven children is now keeping him awake at night, and working all hours to put his passion on a plate is costing him dearly.
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That kitchen is immaculate. I hope these people are still in business and extremely happy.
my would be immaculate if it was never used..!
@@italianstallion9170 ouch!
@@italianstallion9170 Mine* not my and you don't need the ".." before the !
@@martinfpavey you don’t need the “ before and after the .. either.
A head chef for 10+ years, living in country side and needs Alex to take him by the hand to use local products
I just love how Alex is always so kind.
She didn't used to be. In some older shows she was the, "Gordon Ramsay" of the hotel business (before he got into it).
He is cooking better and with more confidence than many of Masterchef's contestants.
Yes indeed! His enthusiasm leaps off the screen. He really cares and he's a nice guy too.
The contestants in Masterchef are amateurs.
Those are contestants, he is a trained chef.
The kitchen is immaculate, in fact the whole place. Cleanliness is one of Gordon Ramsay's pet peeves and he'd be ecstatic for a change. Clearly the guy is a well experienced head chef. The restaurant has all the basics in place.
I love Alex's shows. You feel happy and cheerful seeing the progress. This family os lovely! God bless them ❤️
Wow , were these people lucky to find Alex when they did , weeks from closing down !
Very good chef , turned it around , food cost so important , redesigned the restaurant , and hey presto !
The restaurant business is a continual labor of love!
Brava Alex
Saluti Stefano !
Upon Googling, this restaurant appears to be doing well in 2023. I'm glad I looked it up instead of taking other comments of it being closed to be true. I wish them every success!
Malcolm tried to take his own life & disappeared twice after the show but much before the pandemic. He did check himself into a mental institution.
Doing great with new owner! 🎉
It may be doing well but under new ownership
I really really hope that lovely family are doing good 👍 ❤
Still experiencing intermittent wafts of PTSD embedded in my eyes and ears from having watched Gordon Ramsey several hours over my tolerance level (I no longer watch), I find Alex and Oliver knowledgeable, experienced, helpful, enabling and oh, so refreshing. I just found this series today. It is a good day. Thanks for posting.
I too stopped watching him years ago - even before lockdown.
Bring your own bottle is not allowed anywhere in Scandinavia! It’s very difficult for restaurants to make money from food, so drinks are where they make their profit! Why on Earth did he allow customers to bring their own alcohol??
Malcolm is amazing i hope he is feeling better and doing well now after all the horrible lock downs and stuff that changed so many of out lifes in many ways
Malcolm tried to take his own life & disappeared twice after the show but much before the pandemic. He did check himself into a mental institution.
He is a nice guy, but it was only his dream, not Christines …… They have 7 kids 😮
It is not fair to her at all
@@akashmukhopadhyay9335Proof?
@@withgoddess internet search
A restaurant and 7 kids no wonder she is crying. I’m hoping for their success. They have me nervous!
Yeah. 7 kids. How could you spend enough time with each of them even if you didn’t run a restaurant?
@@suzymarshall4898 Malcolm tried to take his own life & disappeared twice after the show but much before the pandemic. He did check himself into a mental institution.
typical one person's dream and the other getting dragged along kicking and screaming situation. 7 kids! and he expects his wife to be working too? I mean, come on! blows my mind that they kept having children after buying the restaurant and not making any money. way to set your children up for life.....
I know right, I gasped when they said 7 kids…no wonder she doesn’t want to be there , bless her
@@suzymarshall4898 When you have several children, they tend to entertain (and even look after) one another. The more kids you have, the easier parenting gets precisely BECAUSE they are not all looking only to YOU for all their needs and whims every minute of the day. The older ones keep an eye on the younger ones, and all the kids play together and keep each other occupied. The most work is one child - who has nobody but the parents to turn to for every little thing in life. Two children is much easier if they get along: they play together and the older one naturally will alert you if the younger one is getting out of hand. And when you have three or four, they can help you with all kinds of chores around the house (working together with parents is one of the times good conversations happen with children), and you have far less work to do as they get older. I have a friend who has four kids, ranging from 17 down to 10. She does almost no housework anymore. The kids have been doing it for some time (they've been raised to enjoy doing things around the house and they feel accomplished and valuable in the family because of their contribution). The kids take care of the animals. The kids at least help with cooking, and the youngest loves cooking ON HIS OWN and often will chuck everyone else out and take over the kitchen to prepare meals on his own voluntarily. Since he was ten years old, the oldest one has taken notice of what's needed from the shop and gone on his own to pick up milk or bread, etc., when the family is running low. He's also always kept a watchful eye on younger siblings, without being asked. In a big family, everyone pitches in and helps, and the parents actually have less stress. And the kids are less demanding because they have each other to talk to and spend time with. People who have never been around a big family always think it's a massive crime against humanity to have more than 1.5 children. They just have no clue how well it actually works. Of course, the wife being at home would be very helpful and probably her real desire.
They don’t seem to have much business sense…Letting people bring their own bottle to a licensed restaurant when they’re desperate to make money??
Should charge £9 corkage per bottle.
Huge thank you for this. Alex is a joy to watch.
yup, love her
As a farmer I love how Alex and Oliver educate chefs on importance of local. I find it surprising that 80% of customers say local is important. I don’t think they are American opinions- folks over here don’t know what fresh tastes like. New customers are also surprised that our produce tastes good.
This comment makes me sad. I think it's a matter of which part of the US as in the NY/NJ area where I live farm to table restaurants, eateries that source local are something customers really look for and appreciate. Not everyone of course but as my auntie used to say "that's why God invented Fords and Chevies"
I grew up on a family farm on the east coast of America (of Welsh/English heritage). Nothing like fresh produce (only heirlooms and cow manure to fertilize), eggs, milk (unpasteurized), butter...we had little money but when we sat down to eat, I thought we were royalty! You're performing such a valuable service to your area. I hope they appreciate you. Nothing from a box or tin can compare. God bless you and your family.
@@a697ag Love your Grndma's saying
Sometimes you just need a bit of Ras El-Hanout -- dont sue me!
No, just clueless
The children are angelic, dears please pray for your parents success. Great episode and adorable family.
Most of the time when Alex says, 'Darling,' you have the feeling it's her code word for 'Idiot.' Look at the fury in her eyes when she says it. It's like she has complete contempt for the person she's talking to much of the time.
Seven children?! How can even two full time parents look after this never mind run a business? Someone is being very selfish here.
And HE had a breakdown? Oh dear. If anyone should have had a breakdown it should have been his wife, working and caring for seven kids.
You would think Malcolm would hug his wife when she was crying. 😮
June 2023, I just googled their restaurant. Both Malcom and his wife are there and doing well in Hook UK. Uses both the name Nook and Cranny and the Nook Eating House
It’s now owned by Anthony and Deborah. They bought it a while back.
@@annemariebuckley4551 thanks for the update.
Those mirrors on the wall look like bric a brac or car boot sale stuff. Alex is very classy - I'm surprised she didn't suggest photos of local scenes or art by local artists (and for sale with commission to the restaurant). Also, as a non-foody even I know that a carpet in a restaurant will be difficult to clean. You can sweep or mop a vinyl/wood-effect floor in seconds.
I would never eat in a resteraunt with a carpet. Just would. WAlk straight out.
They could’ve put a table and chairs outside to make it look bistro like at the beginning ,
Alex is a true wonder.
Throughly enjoyed this..the family are lovely and Malcolm has to be the most passionate and self driven chef I have seen..thank u Alex for giving us such good shows to watch..everything you seem to touch turns to gold!
What a nice family.
It's odd that an owner of a restaurant would not know, there is more profit in wine, liquor, beer and soda, than food? I was shocked when on the opening night, it was BYB. Especially when the establishment is already licensed. Wine has a huge mark up. Especially if served by the glass.
The restaurant still appears to be open according to the website.
Doesn't look like they're doing the super club though - they have a Special Wednesday offer with four courses for £25. Great episode. This is a tight family.
Oh what beautiful children. They are sooooo important. Their hearts need you more.
Absolutely agree with you Garth
The menu looks wonderful - wish that place was nearer to here!
With 7 kids…. Ooomph. My parents did the same with 7 kids. They risked everything and lost everything. It has taught me that when you have so much to lose, you have to look at the reality of your situation and see if it’s possible, then evaluate the risk of what you’ll lose and how it affects the people around you. I read somewhere in the comments that they no longer own the place, but the place is successful under new ownership now. I also read from the comments that Malcom tried to kill himself before the pandemic, and he had to be checked into a mental institution each time. Shame.
So sorry..I hope they are ok now
40:16 why’s Alex so grumpy at the poor girl 😂
Slip in editing?
running a restaurant is not just about cooking - its a business and not many realise
I feel like you should not take such huge risks after having children. I don't think it's fair to put them in jeopardy like that
Exactly, Malcolm tried to take his own life & disappeared twice after the show but much before the pandemic. He did check himself into a mental institution.
Especially if you have SEVEN children. That’s absolutely insane
Not fussy on this husband, his wife broke down in tears twice because of all all the pressure to live his dream and he just sat there looking into the camera? I feel sorry for this woman, looks like he is very much the boss and she has to just agree to keep him happy. Not healthy.
Great people..they deserve to be successful.
In a hurry? You can watch the first two minutes and you've seen it all!!
They've got a long way to go, but I hope they get there.
I laughed. Pumpkin and rhubarb season is at completely opposite times of the calendar. Now, pumpkin soup as a starter with an apple or pear dessert would definitely be doable.
Alex knows her stuff I love her x
Nice couple hope things are going well for them 👍
Looks like the blue "pub carpeting" was still on part of the dining room floor?
I noticed that too. They must have pulled old footage to fill the space. I had to re watch it several times. 😆
One reason people don't go to a little local restaurant like that is because a lot of people just don't eat out. You can probably get together a supper club in a city or bustling town, but if you're just in a residential neighborhood where everyone is out all day working or commuting to a city to work, or retired and not much for going out... you just don't have the kind of people in the neighborhood who will eat out enough to go to your place regularly. If they ran a pub, they might have an easier time becoming the locals' local, but a restaurant with upscale food? Is the neighborhood upscale with people who have plenty of cash to spend on dining out and who would rather eat close to home than go to or remain in the city for an evening out? I live in a residential neighborhood with a few shops, lots of houses and flats and schools, a park... But a restaurant would really struggle to get any customers. If people want to eat out, they go into the city center where they have a wide array of restaurants and nightlife. This place looks like a corner shop turned into a restaurant. Wrong location might be the problem, no matter how many people drive down that street or walk their dogs in the area. I have a constant stream of people walking dogs, walking to and from the bus stops, walking to and from the schools, picking up kids from the schools, or going to the little convenience stores in the neighborhood. But there's one cafe/bakery type place in the area and I've never seen more than one person in there any time I've gone by. People don't go out to eat IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD because it's a commuter neighborhood.
Anything alex does is ace
The worst part is when you googled them to know how they are now and find out that everything went wrong. They don't own the restaurant anymore and Malcolm had a nervous breakdown in 2018, there's no information about them updated, really sad :(
Ohh no. That is very sad news. I'm glad I'm not the only one who googles a place that are featured in shows.
How could he not have a nervous breakdown running a restaurant with 7 kids?
@@Whoiskevinjones If he focused on the restaurant and if his wife were a full-time mum.
I did a bit of digging and he seems to be in a good place now and running a new business called BBQ Boss. Don’t quote me on this though as I could have gotten some details wrong.
Sad. 7 children is a lot of pressure. Too many complex menu items. They were afraid to ask for money. Fantastic food, underpriced. Bring your own bottle... when alcohol is important to generate income. Small, easy, fresh tasty dishes. Very distressing to learn of his nervous breakdown. Not everyone can be a businessman/woman.
The outside does look uninviting; no wonder people might think it's closed. Start by pruning that bush blocking a window; then at least have potted flowers with lots of color so that it looks like someone cares for the place. Adding maybe an outdoor table or two with colorful umbrellas on the lawn/future patio would help in season. A colorful awning over the door would also emphasize the entry.
interesting but I often wonder what happens when Alex is no longer around
for the supper club I would have done a deposit at booking or a no show fee of £10 per person the no show fee would also be payable if you canceled within 48 hours.
What is supprr Club?
Googled them but the last review for the Nook was 2018 . There are listings for the Nook and Cranny at the same address and the photos are the same place but it lists the owner / Chef as being French . Admittedly I am old lady on a computer . I am wondering if the Pandemic Lock downs may have proven too costly 😕 The Nook seemed to have limited opening times
I found exactly the same. I assume the 'French' Nook Cranny was before this couple But there is nothing after 2018.They seem to have vanished from the face of the earth! There is not even any sign of a new business in the building. Unless it is a takeaway with pics only of the food .Mysterious.
Another mystery is: they took the carpet up Before the 'Supper Club' but then it is back when the Supper Club happens! As is the dresser.
Did the missing party of 5 show up? Considering financial success or failure appeared to depend on it I feel we should have been told. ,Odd things ''Reality' shows.
It's still open but think it's u Derek new ownership
So the N&C was bought out by Debbie and Anthony about 2 years ago.
They had already owned a successful restaurant in the area and came back for the N&C.
They are doing well but I think that's because their old customers from their last restaurant followed them there.
There are lots of recent reviews on trip advisor and they have a decent following on social media
@@hogwashmcturnip8930 Yes, I noticed the switched decor issue. Most odd!
Malcolm tried to take his own life & disappeared twice after the show but much before the pandemic. He did check himself into a mental institution.
Wishing that was in my neighborhood.
With 7 kids to support they decide to get a restaurant which is a risky business every one knows that. Very immature and irresponsible move.
Now that the best kept secret is out ....there should be no looking back for the nook...❤
7 children. Blended family. No wonder they are exhausted.
I love lamb and it looked great 👍🏻
43:00 ... "sales are up 30 % - after the make over" ... ( lets review - if have ZERO visitors 'before the makeover' ; when your resaurant fits 30 ... 30 % of (max seating ) 30 is 10 people ... ( in reality - ONLY 10 people visit your restaurant a week ? ) .. .that number SUCKS - 30 % would be a lot better if your place fits more than 30 seats.
HES A DECENT CHEF
I’m surprised she didn’t have them put some big pots of flowers out front…seems like an important first impression missed
This is making me hungry.
Just crazy. Buying a business in the hope of.....
Oh dear, I so wish I didn't follow up this restaurant on the internet. It's so upsetting I won't sleep tonight, those lovely people and enthusiastic Malcolm you could see him buzzing with excitement. Now I read he had a breakdown and I can only imagine his pain. and his lovely family too all being his dream. What a shame, if only I could help them....
You won't sleep after watching a tv programme??? God, your life must be blessed.
@@mollyscot1563I agree, daft comment!
Good gracious are all these people eating free? ….and the consultant bloke giving advice which could have waited ..while the chef was busy was just stupid…people under pressure don’t need more.
The food looks fantastic and the chef is very handsome haha. The restaurant needed a face lift.
Being a chef is so stressful itand he's carrying it all on his shoulders with untold pressures that can't be imagined. I think Alex wasn't very fair with him - a new carpet and layout is all very well and good but gave him high and perhaps unreasonable expectations - he's still carrying all the weight on his shoulders. So very sorry he was unwell, I do hope he's mended ❤
Just realised her brother in law was one of the judges off Great british Menu
Yes he's a 🔧 🔨 tool
Looks great on a plate why the slate?
How do they not get involved in local things? Government, societies, etc.
The lady should hand over her duty in the restaurant to an employee and become a house wife as it's clear that restaurant is not her vocation!
The whole point was they couldn't afford to hire someone, so she stepped in to help her husband's dream.
We all know the tv producer picks the restaurants for the show.
I've only watched a couple of episodes so far but there seems to be a pattern of the chef's wife/partner not been happy from the very start saying it was his dream! it's like a storyline they are going for . I hope those lovely people are doing good ..
I know someone that did a home renovation show once and they ware told to act a certain way which wasn't very nice and out of Character for them.. 😢 it affected them after the show and one of them needed lots of help to recover..
doesn't matter how clean the kitchen is .. having a clean kitchen does NOT pay the bills or put the kids through Uni !
"Nook and Cranny" is a gross name for a restaurant - it sounds like a part of your body you need to wash out carefully, not somewhere to eat!
It does sound like a used book store. Or even a yarn shop.
what are you doing having 7 kids when you have no money coming in? That strikes me as irresponsible
Totally. It's not like you are running a 19th century farm. First you make the money and then decide on how many children.
5:40 how can some men let their wives get to the level of despair and not put them first is beyond me
Chef mentality is different to a bloke who works a regular 9 to 5
How many kids??? 😱
Ok first danger, he's using slate as a plate. Trying to do ultra high dining ?
Needs the basics and build up a customer encouragement.
There is something not inviting about the entrance...put some beautiful big pot plants and change the doors...
The doors fit in with the traditional style of the building and surrounding area. In my opinion, It's the signage that is the issue. It isn't clear from the signage whether it's a restaurant, tea rooms or pub.
Small business owners have a tough time..
Those carpets
7 children... seems irresponsible nowadays but I wish them well.
some people just can't stop humping look at Stacey Solomon and Kerry Katona, and Katie Price.
A blended family.
The background music to much
Why did the Victim-Wife decide to have three children at the same time they were trying to establish the restaurant? Wasn't four enough? Or was it a diversionary move that didn't deter the husband from HIS dream? I got very tired of her making sure we all knew how miserable and burdened she is, and I feel that Alex didn't have much sympathy, either. Those meds just wouldn't level out 25:38 , and Alex had that "Whooops! A little too much halcyon today" shock in her eyes.
Why is the wife required to participate in her husband's dream? Or expected to do anything that she does not want to do as long as she supports herself adequately otherwise. Her role, if she chose it, is primarily child care and, if not, she should make enough of her own money to pay for child care. As for producing more children, I believe the husband had a part in that; hopefully they decided together to create them so it's as much his fault as hers.
I think to be fair the TV producer picked a few unhappy wife's in this series 😢 its a pattern in this show and I'm sure they edited it and encouraged her to say it a lot.
@@alcoyne3333333333333 We must all remember that these reality shows are not reality. Editing and camera angles can both create any narrative they want and need to capture viewers. They seem to be trying to entice male viewers with all the peek-a-boo boobs scattered about including Alex's.
Nooking great!
2023 - It appears this couple do not own it anymore. Hope they sold up under good circumstances.
That's way too many kids.😮 kids are money pits.
Poor woman, 7 kids and working all hours to help her husband.
Blooming heck guys! Close your legs or take a cold shower... 7 kids!
Blended family.
That poor woman….
ey lets overpopulate DOH
Chef rubs his hand over beard and face. Then he cooks??
I've noticed things like this seem very common in these videos, never sanitation gloves or bound up hair, even no proper commercial kitchens with 6 sinks and a commercial dishwasher.
Yuck..
One of my pet peeves
“I think we start ‘them’ starters???” Horrendous
so who serves a pie on a napkin for that price!. such a shame...........................
Love Alex but the editing on this episode is terrible. They got rid of the old carpet and put down a new floor. Then, we get the new, all important supper club.... with the old carpet.
7 kids and work as a waitress. Going a bit too far with the SuperMom gig.🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳
7 children? Well…. Just why?
Why not?
@@ElePranaityte because they're clearly struggling to afford them.
They were both in marriages previous with children.
@@MarkWhiley So they had already proved their fertility. Then go on to have another 3 in quick succession when they have chosen a gamble That is not fair on the kids, let alone themselves. They have really screwed up their priorities. Not only do we not need 7 kid families on an overpopulated planet, but they are spreading themselves too thin. I would prefer to get a sound foundation to bring them up in before I started popping brats like rabbits. If they went bust, who is going to look after them? the taxpayer presumably. Feckless.
Love?
Nook eating house?? - is underwhelming. I prefer a farm to table name where the name tells what you do.
Yeah, kind of underwhelming.
I think The Nook is okay, but 'eating house' is a bit weird. I would have gone for The Nook restaurant or The Nook restaurant and bar...
why do people need napkins under their pies - just saying...
💖💖
the wifey needs to move out and leave a place for a waitress.
A waitress who would work for free? They didn't have the money to pay for help.
Their menu looked delicious. I'd of ordered Fish, beef, liver. veggies.