THE star of a hit Channel 4 cooking show and Michelin starred chef has suddenly closed down a popular London restaurant after 23 years.
Giorgio Locatelli, 61, has been forced to pack the kitchen up at his Italian venue Locanda Locatelli and shut for good.
Restaurant bosses said the shock permanent closure is “out of our control” just days after a busy New Year’s Eve service.
A statement on the restaurant’s site read: “With a heavy heart, for reasons out of our control, we are now permanently closed.”
It is not yet clear what the reasons behind the sudden closure are.
The hugely successful eatery did however hint at a new future as they thanked their loyal customers.
The statement added: “We will miss all of our clients, many who have become friends.
“But when one door closes, another opens, so please check our social media for updates on our new project.
“We wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025 and thank you all for your custom over the last 23 years.”
Giorgio, who appeared on Channel 4′s Celeb Cooking School teaching celebrities how to cook, opened the joint with his wife Plaxy in 2002.
It received a Michelin star one year after opening.
The restaurant, based in the Hyatt Regency, The Churchill on Seymour Street, has fed many celebrities over the years such as Kate Winslet, Brad Pitt, Bill Clinton and Madonna.
After a gas explosion damaged the building and injured some staff members in 2014, Giorgio is said top have considered closing Locanda Locatelli then.
But he decided to push on serving customers for another decade.
Lovers of the joint have now been quick to share their disappointment after the news.
One person said: “End of an era. One of my favourite spots ever,” while another commented: “This is a BIG shame.”
A third penned: “Some of my favourite food memories are with you. I wish you all the best for whatever happens next.”
Another satisfied customer praised the “quality restaurant” and its “faultless food”
Giorgio Locatelli is an Italian Michelin starred chef and restauranteur.
After working in small local restaurants in Italy and Switzerland, Giorgio made the move to the UK in 1986.
The 61-year-old then made jetted over to Paris in 1990 where he worked at Restaurant Laurent and La Tour d’Argent.
Before his culinary career, Giorgio was in the Army.
He now lives in the UK with his wife Plaxy and daughter Margherita.
In February 2002, the couple opened Locanda Locatelli.
During his career, Giorgio has also written three books.
He has appeared on many TV shows – including MasterChef Italia, Family Cooking Showdown and Channel 4’s Celeb Cooking School.
Reality show Celeb Cooking School first aired in 2022 and sees Giorgio attempt to teach celebrities how to make delicious meals.
Melvin Odoom, who recently appeared on I’m A Celeb, hosts the cookery school.
The likes of Kerry Katona, Sam Thompson, Kim Woodburn and Louie Spence were just some of the hopeless personalities wanting to learn.
