A BBC star and Gordon Ramsay protege has been forced to close another restaurant after “vowing to do it right” this time.
TV chef Mark Sargeant, 51, has been “compelled” to close down The Restaurant MS in Folkestone, Kent, after a string of setbacks.
Despite glowing reviews, Mark’s business sent round an email to their loyal customers to say goodbye.
A seen by Kent Online, the message read: “It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of The Restaurant MS.
“This decision, made after careful consideration, has not been easy.
“However, the challenging market conditions and an unpredictable future have compelled us to take this step.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued customers, dedicated employees, and supportive suppliers for their unwavering support since our inception, as we could not have achieved this journey without each of you.”
Another email from bosses read: “All voucher holders will be contacted shortly.
“Please be advised that we can only communicate with the individual who purchased the voucher.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused you.”
Mark originally took over the venue in 2022, and transformed the Italian restaurant Tavernetta into The Brasserie MS.
The menu boasted “classical French cuisine” and was even included in the Michelin Guide.
But nevertheless it closed down after just under a year, much to the disappointment of diners.
But, the former Gordon Ramsay protege re-invented the space into The Restaurant MS within six months.
He promised to “do it right this time”, and the venue did hold a five-star TripAdvisor rating.
Yet less than a month after seating their first table, a leak flooded the restaurant, leaving downstairs totally submerged.
Mark shared some snaps of the damage on social media, and penned: “Become a chef I thought. Yeah, go into catering they all said! #realitybites.”
The celebrity chef also faced set backs when he walked away from a huge hub of popular co-owned restaurants.
He lost Rocksalt at Folkestone harbour, The Wife of Bath in Wye, and The Duke William in Ickham after “unresolvable differences” with his business partner Josh De Haan.
The Restaurant MS garnered rave reviews during it’s time.
One delighted customer wrote: “It blew our expectations! The extraordinarily delicious food is artfully presented, and served with perfect timing.
“Even down to the coffee that our server asked if we would like with or after our dessert.
“All the staff were extremely welcoming, attentive, and knowledgeable. We had the best lunch ever in this gem of a restaurant that Folkestone is so lucky to have.”
Another hailed Mark for his creations and said: “I really feel Folkestone’s regeneration owes a debt in no small part to Mark Sargeant’s talent and passion in bringing the best of local ingredients to the table in reimagined French classics.”
A third agreed: “He is passionate about his service and his kitchen produce wonderful food.
“Love the bistro atmosphere and a great and interesting wine list.
“No restaurant is serving superb food like this in Folkestone so this is a pearl a real treasure.”
This comes as many celebrity chef businesses have faced the same fate.
Another BBC star suddenly closed his restaurant after nine months – despite a £400,000 revamp just last year.
Caldesi opened in Belsize, north London last April, serving upmarket Italian food.
It was the brainchild of Giancarlo Caldesi, an Italian restaurauteur famed for his appearance on the BBC documentary series Return To Tuscany, alongside wife Katie
Giancarlo has also appeared on Masterchef and Saturday Kitchen.
Prior to opening, the site, which had been previously frequented by another Italian restaurant called Calici, underwent a huge £400,000 renovation.
But, just months later, bosses confirmed the restaurant’s upcoming closure on Instagram.
The message read: “‘A tavola non si invecchia’ — you never grow old at the table.
“We have officially closed our doors at Caldesi in Belsize and are deeply grateful for the support and cherished moments shared with our guests.”
Elsewhere, a chef has suddenly shut down two Michelin-hailed restaurants without warning as fans cry “I thought they’d go on forever”.
Diners were devastated to hear The Gardener’s Cottage, and The Lookout announce their closures out of the blue.
The sad news was posted on their websites, but no explanation was given as to why.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
