Hampshire restaurant blames migrant hotel as it shuts down after 20 years
The owners of a restaurant have blamed a neighbouring hotel used to house asylum-seekers for forcing them to make the “heartbreaking” decision to shut the business.
In a message to customers, the operators of Ceno Restaurant in Southampton have posted on Facebook that “ongoing issues” with the Highfield House Hotel have led to them closing the business at the start of this year. It added that it is planning to relocate.
They state the hotel is being used to house more than 100 “illegal immigrants” leading to “ongoing damage caused by the hotel residents” as well as a lack of parking for their customers after the hotel closed its car park.
However the police have said that the business had never raised any concerns in that past, while anti-racism campaigners claim anti-migrant protests had caused more issues than the residents of the hotel in temporary accommodation.
The statement from Ceno says: “It is with great sadness that we announce that Ceno Restaurant closed its doors on 1 January 2026.
“Despite every effort to continue trading, it has become frustratingly impossible to operate due to ongoing issues connected with the Highfield Hotel in which we are located, which has now become home to over 100 illegal immigrants.
“The hotel owners have ignored our communication, help to assist with ongoing damage caused by the hotel residents and have locked the car park for many months, meaning our customers have been unable to park and access the restaurant.
“Sadly, there has been no meaningful support from Hampshire Police, Southampton City Council, or our local MP Satvir Kaur.
“After 20½ years of service, this situation is heartbreaking. By no means has this been a financial decision but a decision to ensure the wellbeing, safety and care for Ceno staff & customers.”
It added: “This is not the end for Ceno. We are planning to relocate in the Spring and look forward to welcoming back our loyal customers, as well as new friends and families.”
Southampton Stand Up To Racism responded to the comments stating that protests against the hotel had caused greater disruption to the area than the asylum-seekers based there.
It said in a statement: “Ceno Bar traded successfully for years alongside the hotel. Its decline followed the start of sustained far-right activity last summer.
“Portswood is a diverse, welcoming community. Residents and businesses want peace, safety and cohesion – not division, intimidation or racism. Asylum seekers are part of our community and deserve dignity and respect.
“Racism and far-right agitation have no place in Portswood.”
A Home Office spokeswoman said: “We are furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels.
“This Government will close every asylum hotel. Work is well under way, with more suitable sites being brought forward to ease pressure on communities and cut asylum costs.
“We are working closely with local authorities, property partners and across-government so that we can accelerate delivery.”
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: “Our neighbourhood policing team regularly meet with and attend businesses in Portswood to discuss any issues with staff and business owners, and see what support they can provide.
“This has included near-weekly visits to Ceno Restaurant in recent months.
“However, no concerns or issues have been reported or raised by the owners during these visits. We are also not aware of any reports of criminal damage, detailed in their post.”