Chef James Cochran to close 12:51 restaurant

Chef James Cochran will close his 12:51 restaurant in London’s Islington at the end of August after almost seven years of trading.

The former Ledbury chef opened the restaurant in 2018, the same year he was named Champion of Champions on Great British Menu.

At 12:51, he sought to bring together his Caribbean, Scottish and Kentish heritage in a menu that demonstrates both unpretentious fine dining and classical cooking techniques.

Cochran posted on Instagram: “We have had countless guests come through our doors, and it has been an honour to serve every one of them, as well as work alongside all the staff members who have made 12:51 possible over the years. To all of you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

12:51 is recommended on the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland for its “well-priced tasting menu” that offers “interesting textures and bold flavours”.

Dishes include Jamaican jerk buttermilk fried chicken, scotch bonnet jam, corn nuts and coriander; roast hogget, turnip and miso emulsion with salt baked turnip and spring onion; and toasted brioche soldier, baron bigod cheese, kumquat jam and walnut.

Cochran started his career cooking at Wheeler’s Oyster Bar in Whitstable and for a time ran the kitchen at the Michelin-starred Harwood Arms in London’s Fulham.

In 2022, Cochran opened sports bar Valderrama’s in London’s Islington with co-owner Dan Henry but the site closed after less than a year of trading when its lease ended.