L’Ortolan announces closure ‘with a heavy heart’

The former two-Michelin-starred restaurant L’Ortolan will close its doors for good next month after 23 years of trading.

In a message to diners, the Berkshire-based restaurant said: “It’s with a heavy heart that we write to inform you that after 23 years in operation, L’Ortolan will be closing its doors for the last time at the end of August 2024.

“The past 23 years hold so many incredible memories for us as a team, and we hope many positive memories for many of you, our loyal guests from over the years.”

Guests with vouchers have been asked to redeem these before 31 August.

The news of the closure comes soon after the restaurant appointed Jamie Pearce, the former head chef of the Terrace at the Montagu Arms hotel in Hampshire, as its head chef last month.

Pearce replaced James Greatorex, who was head chef of L’Ortolan for six years. Greatorex has since been named head chef at the Grove of Narberth in Pembrokeshire.

L’Ortolan first opened as Milton Sandford under chef Richard Sandford in 1984. The late Nico Ladenis then purchased the restaurant and rebranded it as Chez Nico.

After less than a year of Ladenis’s ownership, John Burton-Race opened the restaurant as L’Ortolan in 1986. 

Under the co-ownership of Jacobs Media chairman Clive Jacobs the restaurant was awarded two Michelin stars in 1988.

In 2000, the restaurant was purchased by IT entrepreneur Peter Newman, who reopened it in 2001 with chef Alan Murchison, who remained heavily involved in the business until 2014.

L’Ortolan held a Michelin star for 19 years between 2003 and 2022. It remained in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland for its French-influenced dishes with “a more British persuasion” that offer “interesting contrasts in textures and temperatures”.

Photo: L’Ortolan newsletter