The Longridge Restaurant in Preston, which was Heathcote's first eatery, has now been placed on the market. In an open letter to his customers, staff and suppliers, Heathcote said the closure had given him much sadness but lots to be proud of. "Twenty two years is a long time to be cooking at one place, few restaurants last the duration of half that and I can look back on it with many happy and proud memories." Responding to comments on his twitter page, the chef said exciting projects were in the pipeline, but that it was time to move on. Last July, Heathcote was forced to close the Heathcotes Grill & Bar in Clitheroe after a slump in trade. At the time the restaurateur said it didn't make financial sense to run a restaurant that wasn't busy. Heathcote still operates Heathcotes Brasserie and the Olive Press.