The chef behind a hip Bristol restaurant has apologised for a Facebook comment saying he hoped Boris Johnson would die.

Tim Owen, who runs Truffled of Totterdown on Wells Road, is under fire because of a comment he wrote on March 27, after it was announced the Prime Minister had tested positive for coronavirus.

He posted: “I hope the c*** dies. Evil piece of s***. As are all Tories.”

Hundreds of people have commented in response, branding the statement “vile”, “horrible” and “disgusting”.

Mr Owen, whose Facebook bio said he “prefers love over hate”, has since deleted his account, as well as Truffled of Totterdown’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

He told Bristol Live he believes his restaurant is “finished”, adding: “I deserve it for saying what I said and my utter stupidity.”

Truffled of Totterdown’s website bills it as a “boutique bistro”, offering dishes such as the £14 chorizo and chickpea stew with free range confit chicken leg and harissa aioli.

Reviewers have praised it for “a very special kind of alchemy” and “unreal” sourdough bread, one writing: "Every mouthful is a taste sensation.”

But the restaurant, shut due to Covid-19, now has an average rating of 1.3 stars on Google Reviews. Mr Owen says this is because his comment has prompted a flood of low ratings.

'I just wanted a reaction'

(Image: PA)

He says he drunkenly wrote on Facebook because he was angry at Mr Johnson for clapping NHS workers’ efforts in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Owen added he “just lashed out” at the “hypocrisy” of the applause, because he believes the Conservative government has not adequately supported the NHS in recent years.

He said: “I just wanted a reaction. I’d had a few pints, like everyone at the moment, and I was really angry.

“I can’t believe I said it. I am sorry for upsetting so many people. I wouldn't wish death on anyone.

“But I typed it and like a fool I have paid the ultimate price. I have no one to blame but myself.”

Mr Owen removed his restaurant’s social media presence because of the backlash, which he says included 30 messages threatening violence against him.

“I’m no one to say anything about that,” he said. “I said I wished someone was dead. I feel so bad about it.”

'I am finished now'

The chef says he only launched Truffled of Totterdown a few months ago, after running a pop-up supper club called Dine With I for more than seven years.

“It was going great and getting inundated with bookings,” he said. “Well, I am finished now.

“I have wanted what I have now my whole life, and now it is gone. I’ve got no chance with my business after this comment.

“I don’t mind being put in my place. It was a terrible thing to say.”

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Mr Owen, who says his partner works in the NHS, was not aware at the time of the comment that Mr Johnson’s condition would worsen and he would be moved to an intensive care unit on April 6.

According to the Government’s update on the evening of April 7, the Prime Minister was "stable" and "in good spirits", but being closely monitored.