No-menu restaurant Blank to close amid rising costs

Michelin-recommended restaurant Blank in Belfast is to close and relaunch as a more accessible concept in the face of rising costs.

The team at Blank said challenging trading conditions had made it impossible for the restaurant to stay open in its current form.

Blank was launched in 2021 by Jonny and Christina Taylor, who are also behind Shed Bistro in Belfast.

Diners trying its tasting menu are presented with a list of ingredients that will feature in their meal, rather than a traditional list of dishes.

The restaurant was added to the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland last year, with inspectors praising its "ambitious cooking" which focused on local produce.

But in a post on social media, the Blank team said it was no longer viable to stay open under its current concept.

The post read: "Over the past two and a half years, we've cherished every moment, but rising costs have made it unsustainable to keep our doors open.

"Weeknight trade has dwindled, and late cancellations on weekends have further strained our viability.

"Though Blank may be bidding farewell, our team remains united. We're excited to announce that a new restaurant will emerge in its place—a creation reflecting our collective values.

"Unlike Blank, it will be more casual and accessible, with an order-from-the-menu concept. We're still brainstorming names and welcome your suggestions!"

Details of the new concept and menu will be released on 3 May and Blank will run its final service on 8 June.