Top-rated restaurant run by MasterChef star suddenly closes down after more than 40 years – but teases ‘new opportunity'

Scottish Sun

27-05-2025

The executive chef has announced their next exciting project
DINE OUT Top-rated restaurant run by MasterChef star suddenly closes down after more than 40 years – but teases 'new opportunity'
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AN HISTORIC fine-dining restaurant led by a former MasterChef contestant has announced its sudden closure.
The closure came as a shock as the venue has established itself as "a place of culinary pilgrimage since the 1970s" - even making its way onto the Michelin Guide.
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The Angel of Dartmouth is set to close on July 6
Credit: Google maps
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The historic venue has established itself among the fine-dining landscape
Credit: Google maps
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Executive chef Elly Wentworth was a contestant on MasterChef the Professionals
Credit: BBC
It had a prominent spot on the harbour-front, offering diners spectacular views while they enjoyed food focused on modern British cuisine and local produce.
The Angel in Dartmouth cited changing customers tastes and "difficult trading conditions" as the reasons behind the decision to close.
A statement from the restaurant, which is set to close on July 6, reads: "For over four decades, The Angel has been at the heart of the town's vibrant culinary scene, a beacon of fine dining and innovation that began with its visionary founder, industry titan Joyce Molyneux.
"Joyce's pioneering leadership placed The Angel on the national food map, inspiring a generation of chefs and restaurateurs.
"It has been a privilege for us to be the latest custodians of such a historic name, and we have both cherished the opportunity to oversee a restaurant with such a remarkable legacy.
They added: "Fine dining is, and always has been, a labour of love — but it is also a resource-heavy and costly model that is particularly sensitive to the current economic climate."
The restaurant was established as The Carved Angel over four decades ago by Joyce Molyneux and has proven itself among the best in fine dining.
Its executive chef, Elly Wentworth, championed its success when she joined the team after she made it to the final of MasterChef the Professionals.
Being a contestant on the show in 2016, along with her high-level skill, led to a series of opportunities that eventually landed her the job at The Angel.
She will be taking up an "exciting new opportunity in the South Devon area" after the business closes.
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This includes her new role as executive chef at Fowlescombe Farm and its sister pub, The Millbrook Inn, which she will take on from July 1st.
She told Devon Live: "I feel incredibly proud of what we've built at The Angel — from the dishes we created to the relationships we forged with guests and suppliers.
"Being part of this historic restaurant's journey has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
"I leave with nothing but gratitude, and I'm excited for what lies ahead.'
During her time at The Angel, Elly introduced a tasting menu, and empowered female chefs through running a women-led kitchen.
She aimed to "make The Angel a foodie destination again."
This was achieved through a seasonal menu that was "simple but effective."
Its Devonshire location gave Elly more opportunity to create a menu inspired by local goods, working directly with producers like Dartmouth Butchers and Kingfisher Brixham.
A series of events are planned to celebrate the iconic venue before it closes.
Owners, The Holland Group, will continue to grow their other businesses including Embankment Bistro, Coastal Trail Café, and Dartmouth Escapes.
They plan on retaining The Angel premises for a venue that better reflects the "current dining landscape."