Tom Kitchin, a renowned Scottish chef and Masterchef guest star, has announced the closure of his Edinburgh restaurant, Kora, just two years after its grand opening. The decision, described by Kitchin as “very tough” and “difficult,” comes as a result of the challenging current economic climate. While the closure is undoubtedly a disappointment for foodies and fans of Kitchin’s culinary prowess, the chef expressed his hope to revive the Kora concept in the future when circumstances are more favorable.
Kora, established in 2022 in the Bruntsfield neighborhood of Edinburgh, was a collaborative venture between Kitchin and his wife, Michaela. The restaurant, situated in the former location of their Southside Scran venue, quickly gained recognition for its innovative take on Scottish seasonal cuisine. Kora offered a diverse menu featuring dishes like Loch Etive trout, lemon and tarragon tortellini, and Scrabster cod and shellfish consommé, catering to various dining preferences with light bar snacks, à la carte options, and brunch. The restaurant’s “nature to plate” philosophy resonated with diners, earning it praise and positive reviews, including a “very good” rating from The Good Food Guide.
The announcement of Kora’s closure, made via Instagram on January 7th, 2024, was accompanied by a photograph of the restaurant’s exterior. Kitchin attributed the decision to the prevailing economic difficulties, emphasizing the lack of other viable options and the necessity to exercise a lease break clause. While the closure marks an unfortunate turn of events, Kitchin expressed gratitude to the restaurant’s loyal patrons, suppliers, and dedicated team, acknowledging their contributions to Kora’s success and the promotion of Scottish hospitality.
The news of Kora’s closure has been met with disappointment from customers who have expressed their fondness for the restaurant and its offerings. Social media has been abuzz with comments lamenting the loss of a beloved dining establishment, with many sharing positive memories and praising the quality of the food and service. The outpouring of support underscores the impact Kora had on the Edinburgh dining scene and the appreciation for Kitchin’s culinary talent.
Despite the setback, Kitchin remains optimistic about the future, assuring patrons that unused gift vouchers will be honored at his other establishments. He also holds onto the hope of resurrecting the Kora concept in Edinburgh someday, suggesting that the closure is not a permanent farewell but rather a temporary pause dictated by economic realities. Kitchin, who holds the distinction of being Scotland’s youngest Michelin-starred chef, having earned the prestigious accolade at the age of 29 for his restaurant, The Kitchin, undoubtedly brings a wealth of experience and culinary creativity to his ventures.
Kora’s closure highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the hospitality industry, particularly in the current economic climate. Rising costs, fluctuating consumer spending, and other economic pressures have forced many restaurants to make difficult decisions, including closures and staff reductions. While the loss of Kora is a blow to the Edinburgh dining scene, it also serves as a reminder of the broader economic difficulties confronting the industry as a whole. Kitchin’s decision, though undoubtedly difficult, reflects the pragmatic approach many businesses are adopting to navigate these challenging times. The hope remains that as economic conditions improve, ventures like Kora might find a more favorable environment to thrive once again.
