Acclaimed Edinburgh restaurant 21212 closes months after death of 'inspirational' chef Paul Kitching

An Edinburgh restaurant which was owned by one of Scotland’s best known chefs has announced its closure three months after his death.

Paul Kitching’s 21212 restaurant on Edinburgh’s Royal Terrace first opened in 2009 by the chef and his partner Katie O’Brien and attained a coveted Michelin star just six months later.

In an announcement on social media, Ms O’Brien said that it was “time to say goodbye”.

Kitching died at the age of 61 in December.

Ms O’Brien added that her partner’s passing had “devastated” the team and the “passion that runs through every fibre of the restaurant is not as evident as it was” when Kitching was alive.

She told customers: “It has been a whirlwind journey for all the team, past and present, since we opened in May 2009 and from the bottom of all our hearts we can’t thank you enough for your support over the years – we hope that you have lasting memories from your times spent with us in Edinburgh that you will cherish forever, we certainly do.”

Guests who have a reservation beyond the closing date will be contacted directly and the four bedrooms which the restaurant also has will be available for those looking for a city base in the capital moving forward.

Over the years the restaurant received a number of awards including four AA rosettes.

Kitching was also awarded the Prince Philip medal for services to the catering industry.

After his passing, tributes poured in across the hospitality industry, including renowned food writer Jay Rayner who described him as “quietly one of Britain’s great chefs”.