Michael O’Hare closes Psycho Sandbar after just seven months

In a statement, O’Hare said the decision to close was ‘very much based’ on his own plans for the future, but is also ‘reflective of the changing experience market in which we all live’.

It brings O’Hare’s presence in Leeds to a close after 10 years.

He launched The Man Behind The Curtain in the city back in 2014 and the restaurant held a Michelin star from 2015.

However, late last year O’Hare announced plans to relaunch the restaurant as a more accessible fine dining concept​​ described as having a ‘surf shack’ feel with a brutalist design, which moved away from The Man Behind The Curtain’s set menu format to give diners more flexibility.

At the time he said the move was in response to the changing restaurant landscape that has been hit first by Brexit, then the pandemic and most recently the cost of living crisis.

Confirming the closure of Psycho Sandbar, O’Hare said he was ‘reflective and thankful’ of the memories created at both restaurants.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved over the last decade,” he said.

“We’ve had some amazing moments and I’m so thankful for everyone that has played their part, either as guests or as part of the team.

“We’ve achieved so much and Leeds will always be special to me, I’m honoured to have played my part in the culinary history of this great city.

“I’m excited for the future and the next steps in my journey.”