Turners at 69 closes after 11 years

By Sophie Witts

- Last updated on GMT

Turners at 69 Birmingham restaurant closed Richard Turner

Related tags Michelin star Restaurant

Chef Richard Turner has announced the sudden closure his Birmingham restaurant Turners at 69 after 11 years.

The site opened as Turners in 2007 and held a Michelin star from 2009-2017.

A statement posted on the restaurant's Twitter account said: “I have made the decision to close Turners at 69 as of Monday 15 January 2018.

“The restaurant has enjoyed many wonderful years on the Birmingham dining scene. I would like to apologise to anyone who will be disappointed by the closure, and extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported Turners at 69 over the years.”

Turner previously described winning a Michelin star as a 'doubled-edged knife' which could prove off-putting to some customers. In 2015 he began offering a 20% discount to diners ​who booked through a pre-paid ticketing system in a bid to make fine dining appear more accessible.

"Being a Michelin restaurant...diners expect the best in service and food, but often don't choose to dine at such restaurants as they perceive them to be expensive," Turner said at the time.

In August 2016 the chef relaunched the restaurant as Turners at 69 with a more casual offering, telling the Birmingham Mail​ he was axing his ‘straight-jacket’ £90, 10-course tasting menu because he thought it was alienating customers.

He added that the trend towards more formal service was a 'big turn off for many people'.

The restaurant lost its star in the 2018 Michelin Guide, but was still recommended in the red book.

Related topics Restaurant Openings Fine Dining