Earlier this month it was announced that Keating - who is best known for attracting two Michelin stars for his cooking at Cotswolds hotel Whatley Manor - would open a restaurant at Manchester’s Stock Exchange Hotel but it was assumed he would stay on at Lunar.
A spokesperson for Lunar confirmed Keating’s departure and that he and fellow co-founder Craig Wilkinson had ‘mutually decided to part ways’.
Lunar will remain open but management has yet to confirm who will lead the kitchen in Keating’s absence or whether the direction of the cuisine will change.
Under Keating's direction Lunar offered an ambitious tasting menu offering either nine or six courses for £120 and £85 respectively.
The food was comparable in style to that served at Whatley Manor but Lunar has yet to achieve Michelin recognition.
“Rest assured, the Lunar fire will continue to burn bright. We are steadfast in our commitment to continuing to work alongside the exceptional World of Wedgwood team and supporting our local suppliers, artists, chefs, and guests,” the spokesperson said.
“The Lunar and World of Wedgwood team wishes Niall the best of success moving forward. This is not the end but rather an opening to a different chapter, and we encourage everyone who has enjoyed and experienced Lunar to join us in celebrating and supporting Niall in all his future endeavours.”
Run in conjunction with The Great British Experience Company (TGBEC), Lunar offers ‘progressive and creative’ inspired by Korean, Japanese and French food.
The restaurant takes its name from the Lunar Society, a supper club for the Midlands enlightenment, of which Josiah Wedgwood was a founding member.
