Dominic Chapman has closed The Crown in Maidenhead, Berkshire, after four years, citing financial challenges. The Michelin-starred chef said in a statement that "the numbers didn't add up".
Chapman opened The Crown in May 2022 with Simon Bonwick and his family. Despite quickly gaining success for its "rewarding, flavoursome dishes" and notable mentions in the Michelin Guide, the restaurant ceased operations earlier this month.
Chef's statement on closure
Chapman said: "It's very sad that we have had to close the Crown. The business was just too small and the numbers didn't add up.
"It does mean I am now able to place my full energy into the Jack O'Newbury, an ambitious project that Nigel Sutcliffe and I are very passionate about, which we are determined to make a success."
New project in Binfield
The Jack, Chapman's "ambitious project" in Binfield, Berkshire, was launched earlier this month alongside restaurateur Nigel Sutcliffe. Housed in a restored village inn, the restaurant features an 80-cover dining room, a bar area known as "The Snug", a kitchen garden and terrace on two acres of private grounds. There are also 11 bedrooms spread across the pub and a converted barn.
Background and career
The Crown thrived under Bonwick following its 2012 launch and was awarded a Michelin Star in 2016. Under Chapman's ownership, it ranked 22nd on the Top 50 Gastropubs list, where it was described as a "beautiful British country pub and restaurant offering a delicious menu, fine wine list and great cask ales".
Chapman is described as a fourth-generation owner of The Castle Hotel in Taunton, Somerset, which has been overseen by his family for the last six decades. The chef previously worked at the three Michelin-starred Fat Duck as well as London's Kensington Palace under Rowley Leigh. He then became head chef at Heston Blumenthal's The Hinds Head. From 2007, Chapman was head chef at The Royal Oak Paley Street for seven years, where he earned a Michelin Star and three AA rosettes. He went on to open his own restaurant, The Beehive, in 2014 which was awarded two AA rosettes within 12 months. The chef has also made various TV appearances on BBC2's Great British Menu.
