A FORMER Michelin star restaurant in Winchester has announced it will be closing at the end of September.

The Black Rat restaurant in Chesil Street will be closing its doors for the last time following its final service on September 30.

The restaurant, which lost its Michelin star ranking in February 2021, made the announcement on its website and Facebook page on Monday.

It said: “It's been a blast but all good things come to an end!

"With a heavy heart, the Black Rat is closing its doors for the final time at the end of September.

"Below, instead of the usual food pics, are the people that made it all possible over the last 15 years.

"The guys who worked their hardest to create amazing menus, provide the best service and make the Black Rat what it was.

"We'd like to thank all of the customers who supported us from the start and particularly those who braved our 'unusual' menus (lamb heart, brain, horse or wood ants anyone) and became not just regular customers, but also friends. You all know who are so I won't embarrass you but we'll miss you terribly.

"Keep well, eat well support local business and thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!

"Gareth, Erica, Jose, Aly, Nick, Shera, Matt, Dave & Sam xxx”

The post has received more than 100 comments and 30 shares so far, showing its reputation in Winchester.

Posting on Facebook, Ali Manswell said: “This is so sad, Winchester lacks decent privately owned venues. Jose and the team have always looked after us tremendously well and made us feel special. Wishing everyone of them success in their future ventures.”

James Swan Jnr said: “Thank you sooo much to everyone at The Black Rat Restaurant, that was my wife’s and my indulgence every year as it is where we got engaged on the 25th January 2014! Very special memories for us, we will truly miss it. Just glad we visited on Friday where I had the lamb, gutted! Good luck everyone in your new ventures, if it’s true.”

Owner David Nicholson also runs The Black Boy Pub, The Black Bottle wine bar and The Black Hole bed and breakfast.

The Black Rat restaurant has been contacted by the Echo's sister paper the Hampshire Chronicle.

Kyoto Kitchen owner, Miff Kayum said: “It is devastating news for the culinary scene in Winchester.”

The restaurant in 88 Chesil Street hasn’t revealed why it’s closing but said on its website: “We would like to thank everyone that has visited us over the last 15 years, and wish you all the best.

“Until then, The Black Rat Restaurant is open Wednesday through to Sunday evenings, and also for lunch on Saturday & Sunday.”

For more, see theblackrat.co.uk

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook