James Martin has closed his flagship Manchester235 restaurant after 14 years of operation. The closure follows the termination of a partnership with casino operator Metropolitan Gaming, though the chef's media presence continues to grow.
The 14-year run of Manchester235 comes to an end
The closure of Manchester235 marks the end of a long-standing collaboration between James Martin and Metropolitan Gaming. According to the report, the eatery combined classic British cuisine with the atmosphere of a casino, serving as a high-profile anchor for the chef's brand in the city. Metropolitan Gaming has confirmed that the partnership has officially concluded, leading to the immediate cessation of trading.
In a move to mitigate the impact on employees, Metropolitan Gaming stated that all staff affected by the closure of Manchester235 have been retained within the broader business. the operator is also in the process of contacting customers with cancelled bookings and those holding outstanding gift-card balances to provide full refunds.
ITV extends Saturday Morning through 2027
While the Manchester location has shuttered, James Martin is seeing a significant expansion of his media footprint. As reported by the source, ITV has extended the contract for his Saturday Morning show through 2027, which will see the program enter its 10th series on the network.
Beyond the extension of his existing show, ITV has commissioned two new projects: James Martin's Italian Adventure and James Martin Quick 'N' Easy. James Martin has expressed his enthusiasm for these new ventures, noting that it is a pleasure to continue producing content for ITV viewers.
The Lygon Arms and Chewton Glen remain operational
The closure of the Manchester flagship does not signal a total exit from the rsetaurant industry for James Martin. The chef continues to own and operate two other high-end establishments: James Martin at The Lygon Arms in The Cotswolds and The Kitchen at Chewton Glen in Hampshire.
This shift suggests a strategic pivot away from urban, partnership-based models towrd destination dining. By maintaining a presence in the Cotswolds and Hampshire, James Martin is leaning into a "country estate" luxury brand that aligns more closely with his personal lifestyle and the slower pace of high-end regional gastronomy.
A £150,000 Land Rover and a new chapter in Hampshire
Parallel to his professional shifts, James Martin has entered a new personal phase. After previously stating he had no desire to marry, the chef became engaged to Kim Johnson earlier this year. The couple's relationship became public in April 2024 when they were spotted at Tiffany's in Mayfair, and Johnson has since moved into Martin's Hampshire residence.
The engagement has been marked by significant luxury,with reports indicating that James Martin gifted Kim Johnson a £150,000 Land Rover as an engagement present. This personal transition follows a long-term relationship with Louise Davies, which ended two years ago after 12 years together.
The silence surrounding the Metropolitan Gaming split
Despite the clarity regarding the closure, a significant gap remains in the narrative: the specific reason for the dissolution of the partnership. Metropolitan Gaming has not provided a detailed explanation for why the collaboration with James Martin ended after more than a decade.
It remains unclear whether the split was a mutual strategic decision or the result of a contractual disagreement. Furthermore, there is no information available on whether Metropolitan Gaming intends to replace the restaurant with a new culinary partner or pivot the space toward a different use within the casino complex.
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