MasterChef winner’s flagship restaurant to close with immediate effect

The Staff Canteen

Editor

Citing rising costs, Kenny Tutt who won MasterChef in 2018, has announced his Pitch restaurant will close with immediate effect, after opening the Worthing-based restaurant in May 2019.

Speaking to Restaurant Online, MasterChef winner Kenny Tutt confirmed that staff had been informed of the restaurant’s closure, with keys to premises handed back to the landlord.

Kenny won MasterChef in 2018 after impressing judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode before opening Pitch a year later.

Since opening, Pitch represents Kenny’s flagship restaurant, serving 90 covers whilst providing a contemporary range of modern and classic British fare, featuring a range of specially selected wines and cocktails.

The news of Pitch’s closure comes after Kenny’s Bayside Social closed earlier this year after opening in 2021.

Speaking to Restaurant Online, Kenny explained that despite Pitch’s closure he would still continue with his casual venture Patty Guy, a smashburger concept located in Brighton and Hastings.

Pitch's announcement marks the most recent restaurant closure as hospitality continues to struggle against rising costs, inflation, a staffing shortage, and a fall in demand as diners look to save on costs.

Last week, Brian Maule at Le Chardon d'Or announced it would cease trading after 22 years of service citing the immense financial burden that operators across the industry face today.

As a result, chefs from across the industry including Tom Kerridge have called on the government to reduce VAT and create a Minister for Hospitality to help protect the industry and prevent further closures.

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