Michelin-guide restaurant to close for good after 1 year as owners speak out

A Michelin-guide restaurant praised for its imaginative menu will soon pull down the shutters for good. It was just over a year ago when excitement surrounded Sesta in Hackney, east London, as it prepared to open its doors for good.

However, a year on and things couldn't look more difficult as the neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant has announced it will open for the final time on December 20. Chef Drew Snaith opened Sesta with general manager Hannah Kowalski at the site of the daily-changing tasting menu restaurant Pidgin in September 2024. The pair first worked together at Jackson Boxer's Brunswick House in London's Vauxhall before being reunited at James Ramsden and Sam Herlihy's Pidgin, where they relaunched the restaurant as Sesta.

The extremely popular restaurant opened with dishes including 'Findus' fish pie pancake and ranch, along with slow-grilled Yorkshire chicken leg with brioche and prune stuffing

But now the owners admit "times are just too hard to make ends meet" as rising business rates continue to plunge the high street into further misery, with boarded up shop fronts becoming a familiar sight.

Sesta was only added to the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland in December. Sesta revealed plans to close on Instagram, writing: "It's with a heavy heart that we announce Sesta will not be reopening in the new year. While we've loved every minute of bringing this little restaurant to life, sadly, times are just too hard to make ends meet"

"We're so proud of the space we've created and the brilliant team that has worked tirelessly to make it happen.

"We're so grateful for all the laughs and good times we've had along the way, the plates served and glasses clinked."

Devestated customers quickly rushed to Instragram to express their sadness, calling the beloved restaurant a "special place".

One social media user said: "Hannah and Drew. So so sorry, all I hear is non stop praise for this lovely restaurant. You've done an incredible job there."

"This is so sad. Sesta is such a special place and you should be so proud of it. I'll miss having you as my home from home local. Will come in lots before you close to eat all the Scotched olives I can. Big love guys", said a second.

A third simply added: "This is heartbreaking."