"The passion is not as evident as when he was alive": Edinburgh's 21212 to close

Making the announcement on social media, Kitching’s partner Katie O’Brien says that the restaurant will run its last service on 1 April.

“It is with great sadness that we have unfortunately taken the decision to close the restaurant at 21212. Out last day of service will be Saturday 1 April 2023," she wrote.

“The passing of Paul has devastated all the team, and the passion that runs through every fibre of the restaurant is not as evident as when it was when he was alive - to us that is unacceptable to his memory.”

Kitching passed away suddenly in December,​​ leading to a flood of tributes from the industry.

“It has been a whirlwind journey for all the team, past and present, since we opened in May 2009 and from the bottom of all our hearts we can’t thank you enough for your support over the years - we hope that you have lasting memories from your times spent with us in Edinburgh that you will cherish forever, we certainly do,” she adds.

Kitching was known for his exceptional and sometimes experimental cooking, first at Juniper restaurant in Altrincham, where he won a Michelin Star in 1997, and later at 21212 - named because it served a five-course menu with a choice of two starters, one main course and two dessert courses - which won a Michelin Star just eight months after opening.

The four bedrooms at the restaurant will continue to be available to book.