Chef Lee Skeet has reluctantly made the difficult decision to shut down his much-loved restaurant, Jackson’s, located in Cardiff city centre. The closure follows a series of terrifying break-ins at the establishment, with Lee Skeet pointing to the escalating crime rate in the area as a major factor behind his decision. In the past year alone, Jackson’s fell victim to eight burglaries, leaving Lee Skeet feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by the constant threats to his business. Lee Skeet, a talented chef with experience working alongside Gordon Ramsay, opened Jackson’s in February 2023, receiving praise from customers and critics alike for its oyster and seafood offerings.
The closure of Jackson’s is not solely attributed to the alarming crime spree but also to Lee Skeet’s ongoing battle with a significant health issue. By stepping back from the restaurant, Lee Skeet hopes to focus on his health and spend valuable time with his family. Reflecting on the challenging circumstances that led to the closure, Lee Skeet described facing armed robbers and tackling criminals himself, even catching five burglars in the act within the past year. The toll of these experiences, both physically and emotionally, became increasingly unsustainable for Lee Skeet.
South Wales Police have acknowledged the targeted attacks on Jackson’s, with Inspector Adrian Snook expressing concern over the impact of such crimes on small businesses. In response to the incidents, efforts are being made to enhance security measures in the Duke Street arcade where Jackson’s was located. Despite the arrest and imprisonment of a perpetrator involved in a previous burglary, the challenges persisted for Lee Skeet. His vigilance in safeguarding the restaurant led to confrontations with intruders and, in one instance, facing potential legal repercussions for defending his property.
The final straw for Lee Skeet came when he discovered yet another burglary had occurred, resulting in the theft of valuable items and cash from Jackson’s. The repeated breaches of security, coupled with the inadequate response from law enforcement, reaffirmed Lee Skeet’s decision to close the restaurant. He expressed frustration over the lack of action to address the broader crime issues plaguing Cardiff, citing a pervasive drug problem and a sense of lawlessness that had engulfed the area.
While the closure of Jackson’s marks the end of an era for Lee Skeet, he remains committed to his other restaurant, Cora, which will continue operating in its current location. Looking ahead, plans are underway to relocate Jackson’s to a different site within Cardiff, where Lee Skeet hopes to establish a more secure and sustainable environment for the business. As the city grapples with rising crime rates, business owners like Lee Skeet face daunting challenges in preserving their livelihoods and ensuring the safety of their establishments. Despite the setbacks, Lee Skeet’s determination to overcome adversity and pursue his culinary passion serves as a testament to his resilience and dedication to the hospitality industry.