In an Instagram post yesterday (3 August), Mellor confirmed that The Laughing Heart's final service took place last Sunday (31 July).
"It is with great sadness that I must announce the sudden closure of The Laughing Heart," he said.
"All the details of how we arrived here are too long, sad and gruesome to list in this forum. The business has fallen victim to these dark times we live in. Almost saving it almost killed me.
"The Laughing Heart existed to amplify beauty, hope, happiness and purpose. Amidst the unprecedented chaos of this unprecedented moment, this remains my quest."
Mellor launched The Laughing Heart back in 2016 and was initially led by chef Tom Anglesea, who went on to feature on the BBC's Great British Menu in 2019 and win his regional heat.
More recently the kitchen was run by chef Adam Boon.
"A restaurant is a truly beautiful thing," continued Mellor.
"Where else does such varied creativity coexist? We curate art, music, science, design, food, wine, performance and narrative under one banner.
"I love that The Laughing Heart has been a platform for all this, and given so many beautiful people the chance to explore their dreams. I hope that our beloved guests, our industry, and the wider world has appreciated what we made."
Mellor is also the founder of independent restaurant-focused delivery platform Big Night, which launched back in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
