Great British Menu star forced to close restaurant after 'deeply difficult decision'

A celebrated chef and star has announced the closure of his -recommended restaurant Fhior after seven years of service in a sobering blow to UK's . Scott Smith, who competed in the Scotland heat of the BBC's Great British Menu in 2021, shared the news earlier this week on Instagram, citing both the "difficult hospitality climate" and personal reasons for the decision to shut the restaurant in Edinburgh, Scotland.

"After seven incredible years, we've made the deeply difficult decision to bring our restaurant, Fhior, to a close," he wrote. "While the restaurant has achieved so much, the cost of doing things the right way in a very difficult hospitality climate has taken its toll."

Fhior, a name derived from the Gaelic word for "true", will serve its final diners on June 1. The restaurant has been a respected fixture of Edinburgh's food scene since it opened in 2018 in Broughton Street.

It earned a place in the prestigious Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland and attracted acclaim for its hyper-seasonal, modern Scottish cuisine.

Alongside financial pressures affecting the hospitality industry nationwide, Smith also cited "personal and practical factors," including the birth of his second child and a desire to spend more time with his family.

Rather than compromising on standards, he said the decision was made to close "on our own terms, with intention, and with the same care and integrity that defined every service."

In a gesture reflective of that ethos, Smith revealed that all members of the Fhior team have been supported through the transition and already have roles to go to once the restaurant closes.

Scott and his wife and co-founder, Laura Smith, plan to focus on their new venture, Blank Plate Creative, a restaurant consultancy service aimed at helping others navigate the ever-challenging food industry.

The news sparked an outpouring of emotion from loyal customers and fans on social media.

One commenter wrote: "Fhior is an extraordinary restaurant on every level. I had great dinners with wonderful memories." Another added, "Had the best meal of my life at your restaurant."

Though Smith failed to progress to the finals in his Great British Menu appearance, his commitment to honest, ingredient-driven cooking earned him industry respect and a devoted following.

The closure of Fhior is yet another blow to independent restaurants across the UK.