Poynton joined the business as a partnership in 2022 and the 35-cover restaurant opened a in March 2023 as a tasting menu only venue. It is the only restaurant in Norwich to currently hold a Michelin star.
The chef announced his decision on social media with ‘a heavy heart’, saying that his focus would now be on his Ancient Shepherds by Mark Poynton restaurant that opened in June last year on the site of his former MJP @ The Shepherds restaurant in Fen Ditton near Cambridge.
“It has been the upmost (sic) pleasure and a lot of fun, getting to know all the local foodies and building friendships that will last a lifetime and memories these guests and suppliers have brought to the restaurant will live with me forever,” he says.
“Thank you to the team headed up by the super talented Byron Franklin who without, the success certainly wouldn’t have come so quick and been sustained from day one to now.”
The move follows the sale of Caistor Hall, a boutique Georgian hotel and wedding venue, by its catering and events company owner Brasted’s to Quadmark Group earlier this year. Speaking to the Eastern Daily Press at the time, Brasted’s managing director Nick Mills said the decision was the “best course of action for the business”.
“We are disappointed that we have not been able to realise the dreams and objectives we had for the hotel and its 32 acres,” he said at the time. “This has generated the need for a completely new direction for this beautiful Georgian property, and we are delighted and reassured that the new owners will preserve its wonderful heritage.”
In July, Brasted’s went into liquidation.
