Popular restaurant loved by Masterchef judge announces sudden closure after six years leaving owners ‘heartbroken'

The Sun

02-05-2025

A BELOVED family-run restaurant that a tough MasterChef judge raved about has announced its sudden closure.
Manchester Ancoats restaurant, Street Urchin, has been delighting punters since a couple, Kevin and Rachel Choudhary, opened the 'English Market Diner' in 2019.
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But yesterday, Rachel posted on social media that the restaurant had closed after six years because her husband, Kevin, and the head chef had a heart attack.
In Rachel's post announcing the closure reassured followers: 'He is recovering (slowly), but we are unable to continue as a business.
'We are heartbroken.
'Thank you to our amazing team who supported us over the years and continued to do so in these dark times.
'Thank you also to our suppliers, we never thought this would happen. We're so sorry x.'
Masterchef judge and renowned food critic Jay Rayner described the restaurant, whose menu left him ' dribbling ', as a place 'where nice things happen.'
This is high praise from the foodie critic who notoriously 'doesn't mince his words.'
Tributes and messages of support poured in after yesterday's shock announcement.
One of the restaurant's meat suppliers, Rachel wrote: 'So pleased we had the chance to visit and eat with you and also supply your wonderful restaurant over the last 4 years.
'Wishing Kev a full recovery and for you, Rachel, to take time to heal too. Take your time, this isn't the last chapter.'
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Fans of Kev's cooking described him as a 'talented culinary artist.'
One wrote: 'Without exaggeration, I can say that this was the best restaurant in Manchester.'
Jane added: 'We had some wonderful meals with you, my Dad is still raving about the dinner we had last year- but family comes first.'
Phil said: 'This is devastating news, you worked so hard to build that business, and it was always top notch, wishing you both good vibes.
'Please bring your talents back one day, it's a public service.'
Kev's menu was known for its experimental flair, serving up everything from panko cuttlefish nicoise to king scallops, veal strip loin and banh xeo pancakes.
The son of a fisherman, Jay praised the authenticity of the menu, 'the cheerful tumble of great ingredients.'
He loved the 'life force' of the restaurant, raving about its 'distinct pulse' as many fine dining establishments had become 'sterile,' post covid.
The experimental restaurant made headlines across the pond for its viral wild squirrel dish.
Rachel described the experience of the contreversial 'crispy buttermilk wild grey squirrel dish' making headlines in the New York Post and Fox News as 'completely bizarre.'
She insisted it was included on the menu because it was sustainable, not to create a viral talking point.
Rachel added: 'We didn't think we'd get more than a couple of Facebook comments about it.
'We've mostly had positive comments about the dish, I don't think anyone has regretted ordering the (£22.50) dish.'
But for some, it was a step too far, with some commenters baulking at 'creamy rodent stew' and begging the restaurant to 'leave the squirrels alone.'
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.