Celebrity chef Tom Kitchin has made the difficult decision to close his Michelin-recognized Edinburgh restaurant, Kora, at the end of January 2025. 

The announcement was shared with his followers on Instagram, where the 47-year-old chef expressed his gratitude toward those who helped make Kora a success, 

while also acknowledging the challenges that led to the restaurant’s closure.

Kitchin, renowned for becoming Scotland’s youngest-ever Michelin-starred chef at just 29, 

made the emotional post on January 13, revealing that Kora’s time in Bruntsfield would come to an end due to the “current economic climate.” 

Despite the closure, Kitchin reassured fans that the Kora concept was not gone for good, with plans to potentially reopen the restaurant in the future.

The decision to close Kora was not an easy one, as Kitchin reflected on the support the restaurant had received from both regular customers and suppliers. “We have made the very tough decision to wrap Kora up at the end of this month,” he shared. “Our regular diners and our suppliers have been instrumental in Kora’s success.” He went on to praise his team for showcasing Scottish cuisine, highlighting the pride the restaurant had in promoting local produce and hospitality.

Kora, which opened in Bruntsfield in spring 2022, was the latest addition to Kitchin’s growing portfolio of restaurants in Edinburgh and beyond. Located in the former space of Southside Scran, Kora was designed to bring Kitchin’s signature approach to Scottish fare to a new audience. Despite its glowing reviews and Michelin recognition, Kitchin cited the tough economic landscape as a major factor in the decision. “There is no hiding that the current economic climate contributes to this difficult decision,” he explained. “We have no option but to exercise our lease break clause, which is now due.”

As one of Scotland’s most celebrated chefs, Tom Kitchin’s career has been marked by an unwavering commitment to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. His other successful restaurants, including The Kitchin, The Bonnie Badger, and The Scran and Scallie, have earned him widespread acclaim. With the closure of Kora, fans expressed their sadness on social media, lamenting the loss of another beloved dining destination in Edinburgh.

One follower commented, “Tragic loss to Bruntsfield,” while another wrote, “Really sad to read this, it must have been such a difficult decision.” Others reflected on the wonderful memories created at Kora, with a fan adding, “We are soooo sad to hear that. Absolutely loved everything about Kora.” Many wished the staff and Kitchin well for the future, expressing hope that the Kora concept could one day return to Edinburgh.

In his post, Kitchin also shared his appreciation for the Bruntsfield community and the lasting impact Kora had on the local dining scene. “Thank you to everyone who made Kora by Tom Kitchin such a special, happy place for so many of us. Thank you, Bruntsfield. The memories will always live on,” he said.

Kitchin’s announcement comes at a time when many in the hospitality industry are grappling with economic pressures, with rising costs, labor shortages, and changing consumer habits affecting restaurants across the UK. The closure of Kora serves as a reminder of the challenges even Michelin-starred establishments face in the current climate.

Fans of Kitchin’s work, however, can still enjoy his culinary creations at his other restaurants. The chef announced that any unused gift vouchers for Kora could be redeemed at his other venues, ensuring that patrons who had planned to visit the restaurant would still be able to experience the renowned chef’s cuisine at one of his other locations.

Though Kora’s closure marks the end of an era for the restaurant, Kitchin’s legacy in Edinburgh’s culinary scene remains strong. His influence on Scottish gastronomy, both through his television appearances on shows like *MasterChef* and his celebrated restaurants, continues to inspire both diners and aspiring chefs. For now, Kora’s time may be coming to a close, but the possibility of its return in the future leaves room for hope that Kitchin’s vision will once again shine in Edinburgh.

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