Big restaurant closures 2026: the UK and Ireland restaurants that have shut this year

The Staff Canteen

Editor 25th September 2026

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Christopher's, the American grill and Martini Bar that has been a Covent Garden landmark since 1991, is to close its Wellington Street home at the end of September, days after Dominic Chapman shut The Crown at Burchetts Green, the Berkshire pub ranked 22nd in this year's Top 50 Gastropubs, saying it was losing money.

This is The Staff Canteen's running record of the big restaurant closures across the UK and Ireland in 2026, updated every week.

Last updated: Friday, September 25, 2026

With ongoing challenges for the hospitality industry, it has been a brutal year for restaurants.

Michelin-star rooms that looked untouchable have gone, independents that traded for two and three decades have called time, and several well-known groups have fallen into administration. This page keeps all of it in one place, including temporary closures and refurbishments.

September has also seen Open Restaurant Group walk away from Sow at the Netherwood Estate, Gary Usher has sold Wreck in Liverpool and Rake has confirmed its final service at the Compton Arms.

We cover the whole of the UK and Ireland, matching the territory of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland.

This is not every single restaurant closure in the country, and it does not try to be. Sadly, there are simply too many, with an average of four per day. This list tracks some of the bigger name closures of restaurants we have lost throughout 2026. Let us know your best memories of these restaurants in the comments below.

Any closures in your local area which deserve recognition? Email tom@thestaffcanteen.com and we will add them in.

This month's biggest restaurant closure announcements

Christopher's, Covent Garden, London

Announced Tuesday, September 22, 2026 · final service end of September 2026 · relocation planned

Christopher's is to close its Covent Garden home at the end of September, bringing more than three decades at 18 Wellington Street to an end, although the family behind it said this is not the end of the restaurant.

Christopher Gilmour opened Christopher's in 1991, inspired by the grand American grill rooms of New York at a time when classic American steaks, lobster and cocktails were still relatively hard to find in London. Set across three floors of a Grade II listed building overlooking Waterloo Bridge, with a sweeping staircase up to the dining room, an Art Deco inspired Martini Bar and the lower ground Club Room, it became a fixture of Theatreland and a second home for London's American expatriates, whose Thanksgiving and Independence Day menus were among the most sought after reservations in the capital.

The Paul family has owned the restaurant since 2010, and managing director Anika Paul oversaw a full refurbishment with interior designer Lucy Potter in 2025. The menu is overseen by head chef Francis Agyepong, who has been part of the team for 25 years and represented Great Britain in the triple jump at the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games.

Anika said: "After more than three decades in Covent Garden, the time has come for us to close this chapter of Christopher's at Wellington Street. This restaurant has been an enormous part of our family's life."

She added: "While we are saying goodbye to this much-loved building, this is not the end of Christopher's. We intend to relocate and look forward to sharing more about the restaurant's next chapter in due course."

No reason was given for leaving Wellington Street. The Paul family is exploring a new permanent home and an updated concept, and the team will run pop-ups, private events and collaborations in the meantime, so this is a relocation rather than an ending.

The Crown at Burchetts Green, Berkshire

Closure reported Thursday, September 17, 2026

Dominic Chapman has closed The Crown at Burchetts Green, the 30 cover pub near Maidenhead ranked 22nd in this year's Top 50 Gastropubs, saying the business was losing money.

Dominic, a fourth-generation chef, took over The Crown in June 2022 from the Bonwick family, who ran it for nine years and won a Michelin star there in the 2017 guide. He arrived with a CV that took in Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck, Kensington Place and The Hind's Head, plus seven years as head chef at The Royal Oak Paley Street, where the pub held a Michelin star and three AA rosettes. He took on The Beehive in White Waltham in 2014.

The Crown had been shut for a couple of weeks while its future was considered before the closure was confirmed, with rising costs, a small trading footprint and a lack of midweek trade behind the decision.

Dominic told the Morning Advertiser: "We tried hard to make it a successful business and it just didn't work." He added: "When I say not really making any money, we were losing money."

The midweek picture was stark. He said: "I've never had zero covers booked, and we used to get zero covers booked on a Wednesday or a Thursday evening."

Some of The Crown's team have moved with him to The Jack O'Newbury in Binfield, a £4m project with restaurateur Nigel Sutcliffe with eight bedrooms, rising to 11, plus function and wedding space.

Read our interview with Dom on 'opportunity of a liftetime' Jack O'Newbury

Rake at the Compton Arms, Islington, London

Announced Wednesday, September 2, 2026 · final service Saturday, December 19, 2026

Rake will serve its last supper at the Compton Arms on Saturday, December 19, 2026, ending a residency that took the project from a short stint in Hackney to a place in the Michelin Guide inside 14 months.

Jay Claus and Syrus Pickhaver arrived at the Islington pub in January 2025, following a shorter residency at The Gun in Hackney in 2024.

The Compton Arms has a track record of giving young teams room to build something, having previously hosted Four Legs and Tiella, and Rake used it to work out what the project actually was: whole beast butchery, responsibly sourced Cornish fish and seafood straight off the day boats, and a discipline about finding a use for every part of an ingredient. Rake at the Compton Arms was added to the Michelin Guide in March 2026.

The cooking is rooted in British fare and takes its cues from old school recipes, forgotten dishes and the rituals of the pub, filtered through time spent in Brat, Quo Vadis, The Zebra Riding Club and Acme Fire Cult.

This is a closure on the chefs' own terms rather than a casualty of trading conditions, and the pair have said more detail on what comes next will follow. Until then, the Compton Arms residency runs to December 19.

The rest of 2026's big restaurant closures, month by month

Newest first, listed by announcement date, not closure date.

September

Sow at the Netherwood Estate, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire: closed September 2026. Open Restaurant Group, run by chef Andrew Sheridan with Sam Morgan and Emma Morgan, did not renew the lease on the restaurant, where Curtis Winstone, formerly of Da Terra and Lucknam Park, was chef, choosing to focus on Arcadian in Didsbury, Counter in Manchester and the former Wreck site in Liverpool. The site held a Michelin star as Pensons under Lee Westcott, which closed in late 2023, and was then run by Native, with Ivan Tisdall-Downes winning a green Michelin star, before the group took it on in May 2025.
Wreck, Ropewalks, Liverpool: final service Sunday, October 4, 2026, ahead of a new concept under new owners. Gary Usher has sold the bistro, which opened as Wreckfish in October 2017 after a crowdfunding campaign and was renamed Wreck in September 2023. The whole team is being kept on, with no job losses, and the site will reopen after a short changeover. A takeover and relaunch, not an ending.
Rake at the Compton Arms, Islington, London: final service Saturday, December 19, 2026. Michelin Guide, added March 2026. Jay Claus and Syrus Pickhaver are ending the residency they began at the Islington pub in January 2025, on their own terms rather than as a casualty of trading conditions, with more detail on what comes next to follow.
Sonora Taqueria, Stoke Newington, London: final service Saturday, October 31, 2026. Michelle Salazar de la Rocha and Sam Napier are closing after their most successful year of trading, citing accumulated pressure and personal hardship rather than a failing business.

August

Bianca's, Stoke Newington, London: closed August 22, 2026. The casual Stoke Newington spin-off from the Casa Fofo team has closed, with Da Pino, from former Casa Fofo head chef Giuseppe Pepe and restaurant manager Federico Giannuzzi, due to open in the site on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall, Norwich: final service Saturday, August 22, 2026. One Michelin star, awarded February 2025 and retained in 2026; three AA rosettes. Mark Poynton left after Caistor Hall's sale to Quadmark Group, saying he wanted to go out on his own terms rather than someone else's, and has refocused on Ancient Shepherds in Cambridgeshire. Norwich loses its only Michelin-starred restaurant. (Read our interview with Mark about the closure)

July

Vermuteria, Coal Drops Yard, King's Cross, London: Announced their closure on July 31, 2026. Anthony Demetre's all day cafe and vermouth bar, opened with designer Michael Sodeau, closed after eight years with no reason specified, stating: “The doors have closed on this chapter but the fire and hunger remain.”
Sorrel, Dorking, Surrey: closed Tuesday, July 28, 2026, with immediate effect. One Michelin star; AA rosettes. Steve Drake said the restaurant simply ran out of money, with covers down to 80 a week against an expected 150 to 200, and pointed to April's national insurance and minimum wage rises, reduced rate relief and rising ingredient costs. It had been listed for sale in May at £195,000 and no investor was found. Drake said the closure felt like a bereavement. (Read more about this closure from our interview with Steve here)

Kerridge's Bar & Grill, Corinthia London: closed Sunday, August 2, 2026, to relaunch in September. Tom Kerridge closed the Northumberland Avenue restaurant temporarily to reopen it in a more intimate setting alongside a new bar at the hotel. Head chef Tom Childs remains with the site. Restaurant renamed Kerridge’s with the bar called Georgie’s. (Read more here).

Berber & Q Grill House, Haggerston, London: final service Friday, July 31, 2026. Josh Katz closed the original Berber & Q after 11 years, with the railway arch site to be kept on for private dining and events. Berber & Q Shawarma Bar continues.
10 Greek Street, Soho, London: final service Saturday, August 8, 2026. Cameron Emirali and his front of house partner Luke Wilson closed the no bookings Soho bistro after 14 years, calling it an “incredibly difficult decision” without giving a specific reason.
Prawn on the Lawn, Islington, London: closed July 2026. Rick and Katie Toogood closed their original London site after 13 years to focus on their three Padstow restaurants, Prawn on the Lawn, Little Prawn and Barnaby's.

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June

Le Vacherin, Chiswick, London: Permanently closed in June 2026, after 24 years. The French bistro was founded by chef Malcolm John in 2002, and owned by Donna Thompson-Smith since 2010. A statement said the restaurant was closing “with mixed emotions and immense gratitude”.
Ombra, Bethnal Green, London: closed end of June 2026. The canal-side Italian was open since 2011. Mitshel Ibrahim, who took it over in 2018, cited a rising tide of labour costs, utilities, rent hikes and business rate increases. A post from the restaurant about the closure said: “The writing’s on the wall for restaurant operators and hospitality at large.”
Morito Hackney Road, London: final service Sunday, June 14, 2026, closing after 10 years in business. Husband-and-wife team Sam and Sam Clark closed the Hackney sibling to Moro and Morito Exmouth Market after a decade, saying: “It’s no secret that the hospitality industry has been facing sustained and significant challenges. Like many others, our Hackney location has been increasingly affected, despite our best efforts.”
St Moritz, Soho, London: closed June 2026, described as temporary until further notice. The Wardour Street Swiss restaurant, open since 1960, closed pending a change of ownership following the death of Armin Lötscher, affectionately known as ‘Sweety’, in March 2026.

May

Simpsons, Edgbaston, Birmingham: sudden closure announced Thursday, May 28, 2026. One Michelin star, held since 1999. Owner Andreas Antona said he was “left with no choice” but to close the restaurant after 32 years and three failed attempts to sell, having put it on the market around 18 months earlier. He said that with the economy as it stands, and so much time and money invested to keep it going, it was the most sensible decision. Sister restaurant The Cross at Kenilworth remains open. (Read more on this story from our interview with long-serving chef Luke Tipping)

Sophie's Steakhouse & Bar, Chelsea, London: final service Saturday, May 30, 2026. Co-founder Rupert Power closed the Fulham Road original after nearly 25 years when the lease expired. The Soho site remains open.
Sambal Shiok Laksa Bar, Holloway Road, London: reported closed May 2026, after eight years. Mandy Yin closed her Malaysian restaurant after eight years. She said: “Sambal Shiok has been my heart, my pride and my life’s work. But ultimately it is my name and my family’s security on the line. Relentless cost increases, staffing pressures and the weight of operational responsibility have taken a deep toll on my mental health and personal life. Since Covid, trading has become increasingly volatile and unpredictable.”
Mriya Neo Bistro, Earl's Court, London: final service announced for Sunday, June 7, 2026. Yurii Kovryzhenko and Olga Tsybytovska closed what was billed as the first Ukrainian restaurant to open abroad after Russia's full scale invasion. Announcing their closure, the restaurant said: “This is an emotional moment for us. We were proud to share Ukrainian culture with London in our own way.”
Spaghetti House, five London sites, plus A Braccetto, Earl's Court: administrators appointed Wednesday, May 6, 2026, closure announced Thursday, May 14, 2026, before reopening in Marble Arch in July 2026. The group was founded on Goodge Street in 1955. Announcing their return, Spaghetti House said: “We’re back! And we’ve missed you. After a challenging chapter, we’re delighted to share that Spaghetti House is returning with our Bryanston street restaurant in Marble Arch.
The Water House Project, Bethnal Green, London: final service announced for the end of June 2026. Gabriel Waterhouse and Patricia Wakaimba closed the Corbridge Crescent site at the natural end of its lease, calling it the right moment to turn the page. A new Waterhouse restaurant opened in East London in September.
Restaurant Chestnut, Ballydehob, west Cork: final service Friday, October 30, 2026. One Michelin star, held since 2019; Best Restaurant in Cork, 2026 Irish Restaurant Awards Munster regional final. Rob Krawczyk and Elaine Fleming are closing at the end of the season, saying: “We will reveal our plans for what is to follow in time.”
Mak, Ranelagh, Dublin: final service Sunday, May 24, 2026, with a collection-only takeaway following. Jules Mak closed the Ranelagh restaurant after 14 years and announced a premium collection only takeaway in a new Ranelagh location, as part of a brand reinvention. An Italian Mediterranean fire cooking restaurant, Fuoco, was also announced for later in 2026.
The Real Greek: administration deal agreed Friday, May 1, 2026. Nineteen of 28 sites continued under Karali Group, owner of Cote Brasserie.

April

Climat, Blackfriars House, Manchester: closed Wednesday, April 29, 2026, with immediate effect. Michelin recommended. Founder Christopher Laidler blamed a perfect storm: a £112,000 electricity bill in the first 13 months, 400 percent over budget, a 33 percent rise in staff wages and business rates up from £12,000 to £38,000 a year.
104 Restaurant, Notting Hill, London: announced Thursday, April 23 with final service April 26. Richard Wilkins held the final service, closing the six-table restaurant in its current form and saying it felt like the right time to reset and focus on the next chapter.
Humo, Mayfair, London: closed late March 2026, with a relaunch as Igni announced for Wednesday, April 22, 2026. One Michelin star awarded 2024, lost in the 2026 guide. The St George Street restaurant, launched in 2023 by Miller Prada and latterly run by chef Robbie Jameson, was reimagined under chef Theo Clench. (Read our interview with Robbie here)

Caravel and Studio Kitchen, Regent's Canal, London: closed Wednesday, April 8, 2026, with immediate effect. The canal boat restaurant and its sister site on the pontoon beside Holborn Studios closed suddenly, with no official reason given. Founders Fin Spiteri and Lorcan Spiteri had already left the business in November 2025, so the closure is not theirs.

March

Little Social, Mayfair, London: final service Saturday, April 11, 2026. Michelin Guide, AA Restaurant Guide and Good Food Guide recognition. Jason Atherton closed the Pollen Street bistro after 14 years, with head chef Sam Prichard, saying chapters sometimes come to an end. The space reopened as Chez Rose with Spencer Metzger in June 2026. (Read more on this story here)
Somssi by Jihun Kim, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London: closed March 2026, five weeks after winning its star. One Michelin star, awarded in the 2026 guide. Jihun Maxime Kim gave no explicit reason, saying only that the day marked his departure from the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair after an unforgettable journey full of highs, lows and everything in between. (Read more on this story here)
The Silver Birch, Chiswick, London: reported closed March 2026. Michelin listed. Nathan Cornwell, who won a Michelin star at The Barn at Moor Hall in 2022, left the Tim Price owned restaurant when it closed and has since been named chef director at The Woodcote in West Sussex. (Read more on this story here)
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London: final service end of January 2027. Two Michelin stars, awarded 2012 and 2013. Heston Blumenthal said the closure comes down to the end of the tenancy with the Mandarin. (Read more on this story)

February

Club Gascon, Clerkenwell, London: final service Saturday, March 28, 2026. One Michelin star, held for nearly 25 years since 2002. Pascal Aussignac closed the Gascon restaurant he opened in 1998, saying he did so with both gratitude and a heavy heart. No specific reason was given. (Read more on this story)
Nest, Shoreditch, London: closed late March 2026 and relaunched as Tavern on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Johnnie Crowe, Luke Wasserman and Toby Neill announced in February that the whole animal tasting menu restaurant would rebrand as a more informal British bistro in the same site, with Brendan Appleby and Kirsty Easterbrook in the kitchen.
The Mount, Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire: final service Sunday, March 15, 2026. The pub Glynn Purnell consulted on, owned by Luke Fryer and Tania Fryer, closed under rising running costs, food prices and energy bills. (Read more on this story)
Langkawi, Baggot Street, Dublin: closure announced Thursday, February 19, 2026. The Malaysian restaurant closed after 36 years, with the premises set to be taken over. A statement from the Langkawi team read: “With great sadness, we share that after 36 unforgettable years, Langkawi has closed its doors following a recent takeover of the premises. This restaurant has been more than a business to us. It has been our family, our memories, and our second home. The memories and friendships will stay with us forever.”
TNQ, Northern Quarter, Manchester: closure announced Tuesday, February 3, 2026, after 22 years. Founder Jobe Ferguson and chef Anthony Fielden closed one of Manchester's longest established independents after nearly 22 years, with an £8,000 monthly energy bill, wage rises, food costs and business rates making it no longer viable. Jobe said: "TNQ has been my life. I put my heart and soul into it. There's so much heart in the place. To be honest, I can't get my head around it."
SIX Rooftop, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead: closure announced Monday February 2, 2026. Michelin Guide 2024 and 2025; two AA rosettes. Operator Pneuma Hospitality Group, which acquired the restaurant in 2023, closed it after sustained losses.
Franco Manca (Fulham Shore, owner Toridoll Holdings): closure programme confirmed Friday, February 27, 2026. Sixteen Franco Manca closures followed in May.

January

Harborne Kitchen, Birmingham: closed Friday, January 16, 2026. Michelin Guide; previously two AA rosettes. The restaurant opened by Jamie Desogus in 2016 closed the day before it was due to reopen from the Christmas break, with the team saying that due to economic pressures they had made the very sad decision to close. Tom Wells had been head chef until June 2025. (Read more on this story)
Marco's New York Italian, Blackpool, and Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, Liverpool: both closed early 2026. Two sites trading under Marco Pierre White's brand licence closed. The Blackpool restaurant was replaced by a Platform 9 concept as part of changes to the hotel's food and beverage operation. No formal statement was issued on the Liverpool site, which had traded for more than 15 years. (Read more on this story)
Maison Bleue, Victoria Street, Edinburgh: closed Sunday, January 11, 2026. Dean Gassabi retired after 31 years in hospitality, closing the Old Town restaurant after 28 years. He said it had been their blood, sweat and tears for nearly three decades. (the Scotsman)
Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Great Milton, Oxfordshire: closed January 2026 for redevelopment, reopening summer 2027. Two Michelin stars. Raymond Blanc's Oxfordshire hotel and restaurant shut for an 1- month redevelopment of accommodation, dining and landscaping, with around 150 roles affected. Raymond moved to a lifetime ambassador role after 41 years, Arnaud Donckele was appointed culinary director for the reopening, and executive chef Luke Selby left for Pale Hall. (Read more on this story)

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