THE best efforts of Michelin-starred celeb chef Gordon Ramsay couldn’t save a hotel from closing down.
Hotel Ristorante La Gondola, in Derby, has been left abandoned to rot after closing more than a decade ago.
The restaurant opened its doors in 1969 and was the talk of the town but by 2006 when the top chef visited he was amazed how little had changed.
La Gondola featured in series 16 of Kitchen Nightmares but despite the publicity Ramsay was unable to save it and it closed down for good in 2009.
Now, more than a decade later, urban explorer Lost Places & Forgotten Faces has gone round to document the state of dereliction it has fallen into.
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On the outside, there are smashed windows and vegetation is starting to run wild.
Inside, there are still signs of its former glory but mostly it is in a state of ruin with fading wallpaper, exposed brickwork and rubble lying about.
In one photo, a creepy-looking doll sits on a dated chair.
The kitchen floor is covered in rubbish and what appears to be the former dining area has upturned tables and chairs littered about.
Another photo shows some graffiti on a wall which says “Gordon R woz ‘ere”.
In another picture, a large wine rack has been left empty while the ceiling is falling down.
What was probably once the cloakroom now has crumbling walls.
In April last year plans were submitted to knock the hotel down and replace it with 42 apartments.
It was purchased by developer Elgie Properties in April, 2021, for £745,000, according to the Derby Telegraph.
The Sun Online has contacted the Elgie Group for comment.
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Urban explorers usually visit buildings that have been left abandoned, often as a hobby to give a historical document.
Anyone doing so should always get permission to enter from the current owners or they could face being charged with trespass.
