Dinner by Heston Closes Amidst Staff Fallout

Dinner by Heston, a renowned two-Michelin-star London restaurant, will cease operations in January 2027 as its lease concludes. Although Heston Blumenthal's representatives stated the closure is due to the tenancy ending, current and former staff members claim the restaurant's performance deteriorated significantly after the departure of Ashley Palmer-Watts in 2020.

Palmer-Watts, who was instrumental in the restaurant's menu creation and day-to-day management, has had no contact with Blumenthal since leaving. He expressed a bittersweet sentiment upon learning of the closure, taking pride in the restaurant's sustained Michelin status for six years after his departure.

Meanwhile, Heston Blumenthal's broader restaurant group, including the renowned Fat Duck, has faced financial challenges. Last year, the operating company posted a £2.1 million loss, with directors citing wage inflation and economic uncertainties. A winding-up petition from HMRC was issued last month but has since been withdrawn as the company settled its debt.

Sources at the Mandarin Oriental hotel suggested plans to close the restaurant last year, but Blumenthal requested an extension until January 2027 to mark its 16th anniversary. The hotel is reportedly in discussions with other notable chefs to occupy the space.