Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall to close

Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall is to close later this month following the departure of its founding chef.

The announcement comes days after Poynton stepped down as chef patron of the Michelin-starred Norwich restaurant after four and a half years in the role.

The tasting menu-only restaurant opened in February 2023 and went on to secure a Michelin star and three-AA-rosettes.

In April, Caistor Hall was sold to new owners Quadmark after facing “many difficult issues in the industry”.

In a post on Instagram published today (6 August), the team at Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall wrote: “It is with a very heavy heart that we have made the difficult decision to close the doors of Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall. As many of you will have seen, Mark has recently resigned as a director of the company to concentrate his efforts on the Ancient Shepherds in Cambridge.

“Due to changes at Caistor Hall after much thought and consideration, we feel it would not be right to continue this journey without him. The restaurant was built around a shared vision, passion and commitment to delivering something truly special, and we believe this chapter should end in the way it began – together.

“Our final day of service will be Saturday 22 August. Over the remaining three weeks, we will do everything we can to accommodate as many guests as possible before we close our doors.

“While this chapter is coming to an end, we look back with immense pride and gratitude for everything we have shared together. Thank you for your support, your loyalty and for helping make Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall such a special place.”

The restaurant stated it will be in contact with gift voucher holders to “discuss the available options” and try to accommodate bookings before closure.

Any reservations past the 22 August will be cancelled, and the restaurant manager will be in contact with those affected.

Poynton will focus all his efforts on his tasting menu-only restaurant with rooms, the Ancient Shepherds by Mark Poynton, which he opened last year in Fen Ditton, Cambridgeshire.