Masterchef star’s restaurant CLOSED then reopened weeks later without him as owner reveals bizarre reason why
A MASTERCHEF star's former restaurant closed then re-opened just weeks later without him, its owner has revealed.
Owner Luca Laghi, who hired Stu as his executive chef, closed his deli in August last year.
The Birmingham-based business has put its focus back on pizzas and has slashed the prices on the menu.
Under the new name of Angela's Trattoria, Luca said that he was "much happier" after going back to basics.
He explained how previously with Stu as executive chef, each meal would cost "at least £50 per person" and added that the portion sizes were small.
Luca explained that while Stu's food was "successful from a food point of view", it lacked uniqueness.
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He told Birmingham Live: "Stu achieved what he wanted in bringing Laghi's to a fine-dining Italian restaurant and our customers loved that, but the market was just not ready
"I regret that now, it was successful but the effect of hiring big chefs meant the salary and prices went up.
He said that he "can't blame anyone" as the food produced by Stu and the team was "incredible", adding that it wasn't affordable for many of his loyal customers.
It was his mum and partner who convinced him to give the restaurant another shot and Angela's Trattoria has been thriving since it reopened in September.
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Diners can now expect to pay around £25 per person, with pasta dishes starting at £9.
Luca has traditional Italian desserts on the menu too, with a artisanal gelato for £6.50 and Sicilian cannoli for £6.
He named the restaurant after his mother and since September, Luca has returned to the role as executive chef at the re-booted Italian.
A trattoria is a word used for informal and authentic Italian restaurant.
Stu won MasterChef in 2019 and he opened a Michelin-recommended restaurant called Smoke in Hampton Manor, Birmingham.
After three years of running the business, the MasterChef: The Professionals winner told his fans "it's time to move on" as he prepared to welcome his third child.
He opened his beloved Smoke in 2021 and it quickly achieved three AA rosettes and a recommendation in the Michelin Guide.
But Hampton Manor confirmed Smoke will be closing on February 23.
"As an estate, we're constantly evolving and we're excited to share that 2025 will be no exception," a spokesperson said on social media.
"On February 27, we're opening Kynd, a new, produce-led restaurant, celebrating the joy of food through simple, thoughtful cooking. From our own Michelin-starred chef, David Taylor, expect generous dishes, rooted in comfort, heritage and flavour.
"Kynd will open on the current site of Smoke and after four soul-filled years on the estate, Stuart Deeley will be moving on from Hampton Manor.
"We're hugely grateful for Stu's contribution to the estate throughout his time with us.
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"Putting the old furnace house on the map, Stu has led Smoke form strength to strength, achieving three AA rosettes, some exceptional reviews and gaining a sizeable fan club."
The Sun has contacted Angela's Trattoria and Stu Deeley's representatives for comment.
