Psycho Sandbar closes
Michael O’Hare has confirmed the closure of his restaurant Psycho Sandbar in Leeds city centre. After bookings closed beyond the end of September, the chef confirmed on Thursday that it was time to move on from the Vicar Lane site. Psycho Sandbar opened in February 2024 as a revision of Man Behind The Curtain but struggled to match the pivot to an a la carte menu with the experiential nature of the restaurant.
Steven Smith relaunching Musu
Following his 15 years at Freemasons at Wiswell Steven Smith is getting involved in the relaunch of Musu in Manchester city centre. Swapping regional modern British cooking for Japanese 'fire based' dining, he'll oversee the launch of Kaji by Musu on 18th October. Following next year in the newly acquired basement space will be Musu Miyabi, also led by Smith, and an omakase experience from sushi chef Andre Aguiar.
Wood closes in Manchester
Simon Wood has announced his decision to close his restaurant Wood in Manchester city centre. A mixture of rising ingredient costs, energy prices, rent arrears and spiralling business rates were cited as the reasons for the immediate closure. After winning Masterchef in 2015, he opened the doors to his restaurant in 2017.
Calum Franklin behind new Harrods opening
After a stint launching the British-style Public House in Paris earlier this year, chef Calum Franklin has been ploughing his pie mastery into a new project at Harrods. The revival of The Georgian, which first opened in 1911, is the latest step in the department store’s plan to be considered a serious dining destination. The fourth-floor restaurant is due to open on 4th November, serving afternoon tea and a dinner menu of British classics.
