Marlborough bistro opened by soap star closes after four years

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 15:29 · Archive

Franklyn's Bistro in Marlborough has closed, four years after opening with celebrity backing from EastEnders actor Declan Bennett.

Franklyn's Bistro in Marlborough has closed four years after its 2022 opening on Kingsbury Street. The fine dining restaurant was opened by local restaurateur Lesley Powell, who had previously run Godots across the road. Both establishments promised diners high-end cuisine and French-style meals cooked from fresh.

The bistro's launch in 2022 was marked by celebrity endorsement from EastEnders actor Declan Bennett, who played Charlie Cotton in the BBC soap opera. At the opening, Bennett said the restaurant was 'a lot classier than the Queen Vic' and praised Powell's talent and bravery in returning to the restaurant business. 'Only the truly great cooks come out of hard times with success and Lesley surely will. Her food is absolutely outstanding,' he said at the time.

A notice left in the shopfront window announced the closure. 'Franklyn's Bistro has now closed. After many wonderful years, our doors are no longer open. Thank you to all our customers for your friendship and support,' the message read. Following the closure, the site has been put up for rent.

How it is being reported

• Bistro opened by soap star in town centre closes its doors for goodA popular Marlborough bistro that was opened by a soap star has closed its doors.Gazette & Herald · 13 Oct, 13:56
• Bistro opened by soap star in town centre closes its doors for goodA popular Marlborough bistro that was opened by a soap star has closed its doors.Swindon Advertiser · 13 Oct, 13:56
• Bistro opened by soap star in town centre closes its doors for goodA popular Marlborough bistro that was opened by a soap star has closed its doors.Wiltshire Times · 13 Oct, 13:56

In this story: Lesley Powell · Declan Bennett · Marlborough · Franklyn's Bistro · EastEnders

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