St James's Market "not quite right" as Salt Yard Group announces Veneta closure
The Salt Yard Group has announced the closure of the group's fifth restaurant, Veneta at St James's Market.
The news comes one month after Simon Mullins' departure from the group he co-founded 12 years ago. He has been replaced by the group's former HR director Georgina Laing.
The 110-cover Veneta opened in October last year in the £400m St James's Market development. It will have its last service on 22 December.
Laing said that although the location itself was "fabulous" it wasn't "quite right" for the concept.
She also assured The Caterer that all of the staff currently working in Veneta would be "relocated to other restaurants [within the group] in the New Year."
The Group's remaining restaurants in central London include Salt Yard in Fitzrovia, Dehesa and Ember Yard both in Soho and the Opera Tavern in Covent Garden.
Former chef director Ben Tish and head chef Jamie Thickett created a changing menu for Veneta which was inspired by Venetian cuisine.
In March this year, Tish left the company to pursue a new solo venture. He was replaced by Dan Sherlock, former head chef of Salt Yard.
Salt Yard, the flagship restaurant, opened in 2005. It was followed by Dehesa - named after a unique woodland area in Spain which is home to the black-footed Ibérico pigs - in 2008. Opera Tavern was next in January 2011 while Ember Yard launched in December 2013.
The restaurants serve tapas menus inspired by the flavours of Spain and Italy.
The St James's Market development is part of the Crown Estate's £500m investment strategy in its St James's portfolio.
It includes restaurants such as: Aquavit London; Duck & Waffle Local; West African concept Ikoyi and Danish bakery Ole & Steen.
Salt Yard Group to open Veneta this month >>
Ben Tish leaves Salt Yard Group >>
Small plates, big ideas: Simon Mullins and the Salt Yard Group >>
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