Heston Blumenthal's restaurant empire is facing significant challenges, with the closure of his two Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston in London and mounting debts. Current and former staff claim the restaurant's decline can be traced back to the departure of his right-hand man, Ashley Palmer-Watts, who created the menu and ran the restaurant day-to-day before leaving the business.
Blumenthal announced this week that Dinner by Heston at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge would wind down, citing the end of the tenancy. However, sources at the hotel told the Guardian that the decision was not Blumenthal's choice. 'Closing the restaurant was not Heston's choice whatsoever,' a senior source said. 'The hotel chose not to renew the lease. It never performed particularly well after Ashley left... It went off the boil.' The source claimed the restaurant was 'empty' on Sunday lunchtimes, describing it as 'extraordinary' for a two-star establishment.
Blumenthal's restaurant group, which includes the three Michelin-star Fat Duck and the Hind's Head pub, has also been struggling financially. Last year, SL6 Ltd, the company behind the restaurants, posted a £2.1m loss, up from £1.4m the previous year. Directors blamed 'wage inflation' and 'economic uncertainties'. In addition, HMRC issued a winding-up petition against the firm last month, though Blumenthal's spokesperson said the payment was made in full and the petition withdrawn.
Palmer-Watts, who has not spoken to Blumenthal since leaving, learned of the closure from the press. He now co-owns the award-winning London pub the Devonshire and has his own spirits line. 'I thought it was a bittersweet moment,' he said. 'I had amazing times there creating that thing... I think I can be proud that means I put down really good foundations.'
The Mandarin Oriental is reportedly in talks with top chefs including Jason Atherton and Anne-Sophie Pic to take over the space. A spokesperson for Blumenthal said the contract was always due to conclude in July 2026, with a six-month extension agreed until January 2027, and that both parties decided not to extend further.
