A Michelin Guide restaurant in Dartmouth has announced its permanent closure after 40 years.

The Angel of Dartmouth, a cherished fine dining establishment, has announced its closure, marking the end of an era for the town's culinary scene.

The restaurant offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, featuring a smart, informal dining space with stunning views of the harbour.

Originally known as The Carved Angel, the restaurant gained prominence under the stewardship of Joyce Molyneux, one of the first women in the UK to earn a Michelin star.

In recent years, Elly Wentworth, a finalist on MasterChef: The Professionals, took the helm, continuing the legacy with a focus on modern British cuisine and local produce.

A post on social media read: “It is with a heavy heart that The Holland Group announces the upcoming closure of The Angel, one of Dartmouth’s most beloved and iconic restaurants.

“For over four decades, The Angel has been at the heart of the town’s vibrant culinary scene, a beacon of fine dining and innovation that began with its visionary founder, industry titan Joyce Molyneux. Joyce’s pioneering leadership placed The Angel on the national food map, inspiring a generation of chefs and restaurateurs.

"It has been a privilege for us to be the latest custodians of such a historic name, and we have both cherished the opportunity to oversee a restaurant with such a remarkable legacy.

“However, the fine dining landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. While the commitment to excellence has remained unwavering, shifting consumer tastes and increasingly difficult trading conditions have made it harder for restaurants

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like The Angel, in its current form, to remain sustainable.

"Fine dining is, and always has been, a labour of love - but it is also a resource-heavy and costly model that is particularly sensitive to the current economic climate.

“As our executive chef Elly Wentworth prepares to take up an exciting new opportunity in the South Devon area - and begins a new chapter as a mother - this marks a natural point of transition for both Elly and The Angel. We wholeheartedly support her next steps and are proud of what we’ve achieved together during her time at the helm."

Elly is embarking on an exciting new chapter in her career as she takes up the role of executive chef at Fowlescombe Farm and its sister pub, The Millbrook Inn, starting July 1.

The former Great British Menu chef will oversee both the luxury retreat’s dining room, The Refectory, and the village pub in South Pool.

She added: “I feel incredibly proud of what we’ve built at The Angel - from the dishes we created to the relationships we forged with guests and suppliers. Being part of this historic restaurant’s journey has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I leave with nothing but gratitude, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”

James Pike, general manager added: “This has not been an easy decision, but it is the right one. The Angel has played such an important role in Dartmouth’s dining scene, and we’re grateful to have been part of its legacy. We look forward to honouring that history with a series of farewell events, and to exploring new ideas that are better aligned with the evolving market.”

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