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Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay protégé to shut his first ever restaurant after 11 ‘incredible' years of trading
A MICHELIN-STARRED chef has announced the closure of his debut restaurant.
The founder trained under Gordon Ramsay, and at the three-Michelin-starred John-Georges in New York.
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The Edinburgh-based Aizle is set to close later this year on September 21.
Stuart Ralston first opened the restaurant on St Leonard's Street in 2014.
A description in the Michelin Guide read: "The constantly evolving menu takes on a surprise tasting format and is presented to diners as 'The Harvest', a list of produce to be featured in the meal rather than exact dish names."
It follows Stuart's emphasis on incorporating local and seasonal goods in his menus - with some dishes available for several weeks and "others just a few" according to Aizle's website.
Their most recent 'harvest' included items like guinea fowl, black garlic, quince and salted milk which came together in a blind tasting menu.
Ralston announced Aizle's closure on social media.
He wrote: "When I first opened the doors on St Leonard's Street in 2014 as a young chef, Aizle was born out of a desire to build something different, challenge me as a young chef and provide a place people would choose to work.
"I wanted to work with producers who really care about what they grow and make people happy with our food.
"Over the past 11 years, we have moved homes, met brilliant people along the way and grown into something to be proud of."
Ralston added that the closure would give him more time to focus on his other restaurants, in addition to a new project.
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He went on to thank the "incredible, dedicated team, past and present", and said that he hopes to continue working with them.
The restaurant relocated to the Garden Room at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel.
In 2018 it moved to a four-day week to reduce stress and staff burnout.
He has since opened several other restaurants in the city, including Noto and Tipo, both of which hold Michelin Bib Gourmands and which will be unaffected by the closure.
Earlier this year, his restaurant Lyla, was awarded a Michelin star.
Vouchers which had been purchased for Aizle can still be redeemed at Ralston's other restaurants.
Commenters on social media expressed sadness at the restaurant's closure, as well as excitement for Stuart's future projects.
One wrote: "So sad I never got to eat at Aizle! And excited for all that's to come."
Another said: "Such an iconic restaurant in the Edinburgh food scene."
While another added: "To this day the best dining experience I've had."
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