The TV chef’s popular Manchester restaurant is shutting its doors
The TV chef’s popular restaurant opened 14 years ago(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
James Martin’s Manchester restaurant has closed its doors after more than a decade, with customers being offered refunds following the shock announcement.
The celebrity chef’s restaurant at Manchester235 has ceased trading, bringing an end to a partnership which dates back to 2012.
The venue, based inside the Great Northern Warehouse on Watson Street, had become a familiar name on Manchester’s dining scene, serving James Martin’s take on modern British food alongside the casino’s bars and entertainment.
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But customers hoping to return to the restaurant have now been told that the James Martin operation has come to an end. Metropolitan Gaming, which operates Manchester235, confirmed the closure in a statement issued on October 1.
It marks the end of James Martin’s 14-year association with Manchester235 – a partnership which began in 2012 and became a long-running part of the city’s restaurant scene.
The company said its partnership with James Martin and his team had been “successful and valued” for more than a decade, adding that the restaurant had played an important role in the Manchester235 experience.
It also thanked James and the entire restaurant team, past and present, for their commitment, professionalism and contribution during the partnership.
Maxine Gibbons, Venue Director at Manchester235, said the relationship had been an important part of the casino’s story since 2012.
“Our partnership with James Martin and his team has been an important part of Manchester235’s story since 2012. We would like to thank James and everyone who has been part of the James Martin Manchester team over the years for their commitment, hard work and the memorable experiences they have created for our guests.
“James and his team have made a significant contribution to the food and beverage experience at Manchester235, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they have brought to the venue. We wish James and the team every success for the future.”
The closure will also affect customers who already had plans to dine at the restaurant.
Manchester235 said it would contact customers directly about cancelled restaurant reservations, while anyone with an outstanding James Martin gift card balance will receive a refund.
The company also confirmed that employees affected by the closure have been retained within the wider business. The announcement comes after James Martin Manchester had established itself as a destination restaurant within the historic Great Northern Warehouse.
James has not publicly commented on the closure so far. Last year, James shared how proud he was to have kept the restaurant going. He said: “I’ve had the restaurant pushing on 12 years now, it’s been an amazing journey.
“Before that we had a restaurant in a casino in Leeds, but then we moved from Leeds here to Manchester and we have been here ever since.”
He added: “It’s Manchester’s little hidden secret – that has been here for over a decade.”
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The restaurant was known for its British-focused menus and seasonal dishes, with the venue previously offering tasting menus, Sunday lunches, afternoon tea and private Chef’s Table experiences.
The restaurant’s own website described it as a destination dining experience beneath the vaulted brick ceilings of the Grade II-listed warehouse, combining industrial features with more opulent interiors.
The chef remains a familiar face on television, having presented shows including Saturday Kitchen before going on to front his ITV programme, James Martin’s Saturday Morning.
