An award-winning restaurant in Leeds, which had a MasterChef star as its head chef, has announced it is closing its doors for good later this month
An award-winning restaurant is set to close its doors for good after its head chef revealed he was stepping down.
The decision was revealed on social media, stunning fans. However, the eatery, with former MasterChef star Josh Whitehead as head chef, confirmed they had come to the “tough decision” to call it quits. Kino, which is based in the Grade II listed building next to the Leeds Grand Theatre, opened in 2022. Two and a half years later though and they have called time on the eatery.
The Instagram upload by the restaurant, which described itself as a “bit French, a bit British and a lot Yorkshire,” said: “Some very sad news to share with you… Unfortunately, we’ll be closing our doors on 21 December.
“We’ve had a blast the last two and a half years, but sadly just couldn’t make it work. It’s been a really difficult decision. We’re looking at new opportunities to use our big, beautiful space, but for now it’s goodbye.”
They went on to thanks customers for their support and asking them to join them in the coming weeks for a final time.
Whitehead, who joined the establishment in 2023, confirmed he was stepping down and ready to focus on his own entrepreneurial venture. Following the news of the closure, he said: “I thought it was time to move on to the next stage of my career. I just wanted to try and make one [a pie shop] happen. I’m excited to focus on creating amazing handmade pies, terrines, and paté en croute, all using sustainable, local ingredients.”
Posting an image of himself in a dressing gown sipping on a beer while sat in front of a pie, he said: “I’m still trying to navigate what the hell is going on currently and to settle into self-employment good and proper, for those asking about Christmas orders, there will be pies, there will be croûtes and there will be chaos, as soon as I’ve figured out the ordering system, do your worst.”
His new business, Finer Pleasures, comes after he had helped the restaurant win the Best Sustainability award at the 2024 Oliver Awards and launched the city’s first Pastry Club.
He rose through the ranks on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2016. He was eliminated at the semi-final stages. However, he now is focusing his attention on growing his business through bespoke pie orders, catering, and pop-up events.
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