James Martin's Manchester restaurant has closed immediately after 14 years, with diners offered refunds following the surprise announcement. The celebrity chef's eatery at Manchester235 has stopped trading, ending a collaboration that began in 2012.
End of a 14-year partnership
The establishment, located within the Great Northern Warehouse on Watson Street, had become a recognised fixture on Manchester's culinary scene, serving James Martin's take on contemporary British cuisine alongside the casino's bars and entertainment facilities.
Metropolitan Gaming, which runs Manchester235, confirmed the closure in a statement released on October 1, reports the Manchester Evening News. The firm described its partnership with James Martin and his team as "successful and valued" for over a decade, noting the restaurant had served a vital function in the Manchester235 offering.
Gratitude and future plans
Maxine Gibbons, Venue Director at Manchester235, said the partnership had been a crucial part of the casino's narrative since 2012. "Our collaboration with James Martin and his team has been a pivotal part of Manchester235's journey since 2012. We would like to express our gratitude to James and everyone who has been part of the James Martin Manchester team over the years for their dedication, hard work and the unforgettable experiences they have crafted for our guests," she said.
"James and his crew have significantly enhanced the food and beverage experience at Manchester235, and we are immensely thankful for everything they have contributed to the venue. We wish James and the team all the best for their future endeavours."
Impact on customers and staff
The closure will affect patrons who had already made dining reservations. Manchester235 said it would contact customers directly about cancelled bookings, while anyone with an outstanding James Martin gift card balance will be refunded. The company also confirmed that staff affected by the closure have been retained within the broader business.
James has yet to publicly comment on the closure. Last year, he expressed pride in keeping the restaurant running. "I've had the restaurant pushing on 12 years now, it's been an amazing journey," he said. "Before that we had a restaurant in a casino in Leeds, but then we moved from Leeds here to Manchester and we have been here ever since." He added: "It's Manchester's little hidden secret - that has been here for over a decade."
The eatery was known for its British-centred menus and seasonal fare, previously offering tasting menus, Sunday lunches, afternoon tea and private Chef's Table experiences. Its website described it as a destination dining experience beneath the vaulted brick ceilings of the Grade II-listed warehouse, blending industrial elements with more lavish interiors. The chef continues to appear on television, having hosted programmes including Saturday Kitchen before moving on to present his ITV show, James Martin's Saturday Morning.
