Paul Kitching, chef-proprietor of Edinburgh restaurant 21212, has died suddenly at the age of 61. His passing was announced this week by his partner, Katie O’Brien, who said “I’ve lost my love“. Paul was born in Gateshead and worked in leading kitchens, including Gidleigh Park in Devon, before launching Juniper in Altrincham with Katie. In […]

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Soho gastronomic landmark I Camisa is to close down after Christmas – just seven years short of its centenary – unless a buyer steps forward to save it. Famous for its sandwiches, the Old Compton Street deli is a relic of central London’s Italian community and a much-loved feature of ‘old Soho’. Gianni Segatta, a director of […]

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Manzi’s, the long-promised seafood restaurant in Soho from The Wolseley Hospitality Group, finally has a launch date – next May, more than four years after it was first announced. Named after the much-loved family-operated restaurant in Leicester Square that ran for almost 80 years until 2006, the new Manzi’s will occupy two storeys with a large […]

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A Spanish-Israeli fusion restaurant opened this week in a German-owned boutique hotel in Covent Garden. Penelope’s is named after the daughter of Hotel Amano co-founder Ariel Schiff (pictured, middle), who grew up between Tel Aviv and souther Spain. Dishes on the menu include Israeli-style paella with whole lobster, freekeh and gin-tomato sauce; Israeli sofrito combining […]

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Two of London’s most interesting young restaurants – Fiend in Notting Hill and Black Radish in Wimbledon Village – have confirmed their permanent closure, while Barletta in Margate is also folding after falling victim to a £50,000 fraud. Fiend only opened in summer 2021, and marked the return of chef Chris Denney (pictured), who had previously made […]

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