21/09/2026
❤️ A heartfelt update from The Drill Hall ❤️
After a lot of thought, many difficult conversations and more than a few tears, I have made the incredibly difficult decision to permanently close The Drill Hall. This isn't a post I ever imagined I would have to write. The Drill Hall has been so much more than a restaurant to me. It's been years of hard work, laughter, friendships, celebrations, challenges, wonderful staff and thousands of people walking through our doors and becoming part of our story. But the reality of running an independent hospitality business has become increasingly difficult. Over the past few years, the cost of almost everything has risen dramatically, while people understandably have less disposable income to spend eating out. Like so many independent businesses, we've absorbed as much as we possibly could and kept going for as long as we could. Eventually, there comes a point where determination alone isn't enough to make the numbers work. I've reached that point.
I'm incredibly sad that The Drill Hall has come to an end, but I'm also proud of what we created here. I don't see these years as a failure. I see a business that survived some extraordinarily difficult times, brought people together, employed some wonderful people and became part of the Sandwich community.
To everyone who worked with me along the way — thank you. You gave this place its personality, energy and heart. And to our customers: whether you visited us every week, celebrated something special with us, stopped for a coffee or simply recommended us to a friend, thank you. Your support has meant more than you probably realise.
I also want to say thank you for the messages I've received over the last few days. I've been genuinely touched by how many people have reached out.
For now, it's time for me to close this chapter properly, take stock and look towards whatever comes next. I'm leaving The Drill Hall with sadness, certainly — but also with my head held high, enormous gratitude for what we achieved, and confidence that the end of one chapter creates space for another.
Thank you, Sandwich, for being part of the journey.
With love,
Ali ❤️
The Drill Hall
