Mark Sargeant closes Restaurant MS in Folkestone

Chef Mark Sargeant has closed Restaurant MS in Folkestone, blaming “challenging market conditions”.

Kent Online reported that the venue closed its doors for the final time earlier this month.

An email to customers seen by the paper said: “It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of the Restaurant MS.

“This decision, made after careful consideration, has not been easy. However, the challenging market conditions and an unpredictable future have compelled us to take this step.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued customers, dedicated employees, and supportive suppliers for their unwavering support since our inception, as we could not have achieved this journey without each of you."

Sargeant, who spent 13 years working with Gordon Ramsay and won the National Chef of the Year award in 2002, first launched the Folkestone site as Brasserie MS in 2022.

He closed the restaurant in 2023 and relaunched it as Restaurant MS with the backing of Kanagaratnam Rajamenon, managing director of Leaf Hotels, which operates the voco the Clifton Folkestone hotel.

Sargeant previously ran Kent-based hospitality business Rocksalt Group but stepped away from the group in 2021.