MasterChef star steps down from award-winning restaurant as it SHUTS doors forever in ‘really difficult decision’
A HIGHLY acclaimed restaurant is shutting its doors forever as its head chef, a MasterChef Star, announced he would be stepping down.
The eatery announced the closure in a heartfelt social media post, saying it was a “really difficult decision" after being open for two and a half years.
Located in the Grade II listed building next to the Leeds Grand Theatre, Kino opened in 2022 with high hopes of becoming a standout venue in the city.
But in an Instagram post shared on Monday, the restaurant’s management revealed they “just couldn’t make it work.”
The news has left many stunned, as Kino had been garnering attention for its innovative seasonal menu and commitment to sustainability.
In their emotional message, the restaurant team thanked loyal customers for their support and all those who contributed to the restaurant’s success over the past two and a half years.
Read more on restaurants
“We’ve had a blast the last two and a half years, but sadly just couldn’t make it work. It’s been a really difficult decision,” they wrote.
“We’re looking at new opportunities to use our big, beautiful space, but for now it’s goodbye.”
Kino will officially close on December 21, and the team is inviting guests to enjoy their final festive offerings.
As the restaurant’s closure takes effect, Chef Josh Whitehead, who has been pivotal in Kino's success, has announced he is stepping down to focus on his own entrepreneurial venture.
Most read in Money
Whitehead, who joined Kino in 2023, played a key role in the restaurant’s success.
He helped it win the Best Sustainability award at the 2024 Oliver Awards and launching the city’s first Pastry Club.
Whitehead’s new business, Finer Pleasures, is a handmade pie company focused on traditional pie making using high-quality, local ingredients.
The MasterChef: The Professionals 2016 semi-finalist explained that he had always had a passion for pies, and after working at several prestigious kitchens around Leeds, he felt it was time to pursue his dream of opening a pie shop.
“I thought it was time to move on to the next stage of my career,” Whitehead shared.
“I just wanted to try and make one [a pie shop] happen. I’m excited to focus on creating amazing handmade pies, terrines, and paté en croute, all using sustainable, local ingredients.”
The chef revealed that he had recently placed second in a prestigious pie competition, winning best overall flavor, the reports.
Whitehead’s upcoming plans include markets, pop-ups, and private events, with hopes of eventually opening a bricks-and-mortar pie shop.
His first Pastry Club event under Finer Pleasures took place on December 9, with celebrated pastry chef Calum Franklin joining him for the occasion.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
For now, Whitehead’s focus is on growing his business through bespoke pie orders, catering, and pop-up events, including custom Christmas pie orders.
Fans of Whitehead’s renowned pastry work can also look forward to future collaborations with fellow chefs and industry professionals.
