A notice on the restaurant’s website confirms that it permanently closed its doors for business yesterday (20 January).
“We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our guests for their incredible support and custom,” the notice reads.
Katz, who is also behind London restaurants Berber & Q and Shawarma Bar, launched Carmel Fitzrovia in April last year on Market Place, just off Oxford Street, within the site that was previously home to MJMK’s short-lived Cuban restaurant La Rampa and prior to that US brand Sweet Chick.
Speaking to Restaurant at the time, Katz acknowledged the restaurant site’s chequered history, but said he believed he had what it took to make it work.
“There have been a few operators that haven’t made it work,” he said.
“I guess it’s one of those sites where people think ‘which idiot is going to take that?’. While I would not like to talk ill of anyone and I’m certainly no oracle, La Rampa was drinks led which I’m not sure was quite right and the space is too big to be a fried chicken restaurant.
“This place needs a strong food offer, great drinks and a nice space. I think we’re delivering that. But only time will tell.
“Hopefully these aren’t famous last words.”
The launch of Carmel Fitzrovia followed the success of the all-day dining format’s first site in Queen’s Park, which launched in 2021.
The menu, overseen by Katz and executive chef Jeremy Borrow, featured an ‘extensive’ selection of small plates and sharing dishes inspired by the produce and spices of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Carmel Queen’s Park, Berber & Q, and Shawarma Bar all continue to trade.
