Edinburgh celebrity chef Tom Kitchin has announced the ‘tough decision’ to close one of his capital restaurants.
The star cook opened KORA in Bruntsfield with wife Michaela back in the spring of 2022. It became their fourth local venture alongside The Scran & Scallie, The Kitchin and The Bonnie Badger, in Gullane, East Lothian.
The chef previously co-owned the Castle Terrace as well as the three aforementioned venues, but the announcement was made two years ago that the restaurant would not re-open.
KORA replaced the French bistro ‘Southside Scran’, which was also owned by Kitchin, but was forced to close due to flooding in 2020.
In a note on the restaurant’s Instagram page, Scotland’s youngest Michelin Star winner, posted: “Thank you to everyone who has supported KORA over the years. We have made the very tough decision to wrap KORA up at the end of this month.”
He said the venture was one he “felt really passionate about” and staff are “proud of the great food, service and experiences we have provided to our guests over the past few years.”
Tom added: “Our regular diners and our suppliers have been instrumental in KORA’s success. Our incredible team has really shown visitors to Edinburgh how incredible Scottish fare is and how proud we are to promote Scottish hospitality.
“We have every intention to bring the KORA concept back to Edinburgh one day, but there is no hiding that the current economic climate contribute to this difficult decision. We have no option but to exercise our lease break clause which is now due.
“All unexpired KORA gift vouchers purchased will be honoured in our sister venues as we really value your support.”
Diners were quick to react to the sad news. One posted online: “Awh sorry to hear this guys. We always had great food and service there.”
A second added: “Tragic loss to Bruntsfield. Thanks, always so good to families who were always made welcome, my 2.5 year old nephew loved his kitchen visit at the Scran recently, thank you!”