‘Leroy is dead’: Former Michelin-starred east London restaurant closes its doors

Leroy in London’s Shoreditch has closed after almost seven years of trading.

 

Ed Thaw and Jack Lewens opened the east London restaurant and bar in March 2018, two weeks after the pair closed the Michelin-starred Ellory in Hackney, which operated for two and a half years.

 

Joined by Melbourne-born head chef Sam Kamienko, Leroy secured a Michelin star months after opening for its seasonal bistro dishes.

 

Although it lost its star earlier this year, it was still recognised in the Michelin Guide for its “laid-back" atmosphere and "unpretentious dishes”, which included the likes of crispy pig heads with celeriac, date and almond.

 

A message on Leroy’s Instagram page read: “It has been quite the ride but sadly nothing lasts forever. We fought hard against the dying of the light but sometimes there is a time to let go. In that time we’ve experienced some incredible highs and lows. It has been, joyfully and painful. Everything that makes life worth living. We could not have done it without brilliant staff and suppliers and customers.

 

“Our heart breaks not to be able to continue the journey but we can leave knowing that we did all we could. Despite what our government may think this is a noble profession and indeed any small business owner has our enduring respect.

 

“Only those who run a business, much less a hospitality business post-Covid, know how tough it is. Use your restaurants or lose them. They need you now more than ever. Out of the blue. Into the black and eventually out the other side. Leroy is dead. Long live Leroy.”

 

Leroy’s announcement comes after many hospitality businesses warned last month’s Budget will “make things worse” for the industry, leading to price rises and closures.

 

Last week, operators told The Caterer the cost of changes to employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) alongside increases in national minimum wage and a reduction in business rates support would be a death knell for some businesses.