Michelin-hailed top chef’s restaurant forced to close due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’ 9 years after it opened
A MICHELIN-hailed top chef’s restaurant has been forced close due to “unforeseen circumstances” nine years after opening.
London based bar TT, formerly known as TT Liquor, in Shoreditch has closed after nearly a decade in business.
The site hosted a rooftop restaurant, cellar bar, liquor store, and cinema, and hosted cocktail classes, tastings, and events.
Chef Sam Lone, 28, headed up TT Restaurant and Rooftop in Kingsland Road – which only opened in April.
The esteemed chef has worked for Oren in the past, which features in the Michelin restaurant guide.
On a statement posted on Instagram, TT said that it had been “more than just a business”.
The company thanked their “loyal customers and incredible team” for making it all possible.
But they sadly confirmed that “unforeseen circumstances” meant that the doors would be closing.
The venue’s management said it was “in discussions” with a new operator, who may be taking over the site.
The full statement read: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of TT due to unforeseen circumstances.
“For the past 9 years, TT has been more than just a business—it’s been a labour of love. We are immensely proud of everything we’ve built and achieved together.
“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us over the years—from our loyal customers to the incredible team that made it all possible.
“Each of you has played a vital role in this journey, and we are truly grateful.
“If you have an existing booking with us, please know that we are currently in discussions with a new operator who may be able to honour those bookings.
“We appreciate your patience as we work through this process.
“Thank you once again for being part of TT’s story.”
Lone’s impressive CV includes time at The Palomar and Cabotte as well as Two Lights.
At TT, he ran a menu of “fire-cooked seasonal produce” with food served across two floors in the rooftop and ground level restaurants.
Lone’s offerings featured smoking, pickling and baking across the sharing menu which was designed around a bespoke asado-style grill and wood fired oven.
Snacks included cheek croquettes and barbecued chicken thighs with tirokeftari.
Main dishes ranged from lamb shoulder a la plancha with roasted garlic yogurt to fire roasted golden beetroot in molasses.
Michelin-starred chef confirms shock closure
By Maleeha Katib
A RESTAURANT chain owned by a Michelin-starred chef has shut three branches after entering administration earlier this month.
Ibérica, led by Michelin-starred chef Nacho Manzano, has announced the latest closure of its site in Leeds.
The chain, known for its traditional Spanish dishes and luxurious settings, operated four restaurants in London and one in Leeds.
But RSM, a professional services firm, confirmed the closures of three sites.
The affected locations include Leeds, Canary Wharf, and Marylebone in London.
After being saved by the Camino group, the Farringdon branch continues to run.
Camino has also taken an option on the Victoria site, which has temporarily closed.
The move has secured 40 jobs, but around 23 redundancies have been confirmed in Leeds.
Gordon Thomson, RSM UK Restructuring Advisory Partner and Joint Administrator, said: “Following a challenging trading environment post-pandemic, hospitality, particularly casual dining, has been hit with staff shortages, increased costs, and lower spending per cover, which all contributed to Ibérica entering administration.
“We worked with the Ibérica management to find a solution for the Farringdon site and the associated staff; and we are working with the remaining staff to seek redundancy support.”