It's been open for a decade and for a number of years made it onto the World's 50 Best Restaurants list, but Lyle's is getting ready to call it a day and will close in May.
Run by James Lowe (and originally opened with John Ogier) the restaurant, with its stripped back feel and Michelin-starred seasonal cooking, was at the forefront of Shoreditch's nascent restaurant scene. Through its Guest Series residencies, they also attracted some very high-profile names from overseas to cook in the kitchen. We ourselves only just revisited the restaurant last year and thought it was as great as ever, with "personal, thoughtful and friendly" service.
Of the closure, James Lowe says, "I couldn’t be prouder of everything that we’ve accomplished at Lyle’s over the last eleven years. I love what we’ve done, how we’ve grown, adapted and learned. I want to say an enormous thank you to all members of the team past and present, it’s been a privilege to have worked with so many brilliant people. Lyle’s has also given me the opportunity to work with some of the best fishermen, artisanal producers and farmers in the UK. To evolve our food alongside them has been a journey that’s kept me inspired year after year. I’m looking forward to what comes next".
They'll be putting on a special menu of Lyle's classics in the run-up to the last service.
It sounds like the closure also sees the JKS group, which partnered in the site, and Lowe parting ways. JKS will keep the Shoreditch site (another Berenjak perhaps?) while Lowe is working on an "exciting upcoming solo project" which will certainly be one to watch.
It's the latest in a series of high-profile London restaurant closures, particularly in the higher end of the market, and probably won't be the last of the year.
More about Lyle's
Where is it? Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JJ
When does it close? 18 May 2025
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @lyleslondon.
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