Salt, the acclaimed Stratford-upon-Avon restaurant led by chef Paul Foster, has closed its doors after losing its Michelin star in 2024. The restaurant, which opened in 2017 following a successful £100,000 Kickstarter campaign, quickly became a fixture in the UK fine dining scene, earning Stratford-upon-Avon its first Michelin star in 2018. Salt retained this prestigious accolade for six years, making a mark with its ingredient-led, seasonal British cuisine and a reputation for modern, creative dishes.

The loss of the Michelin star in 2024 marked a significant turning point for Salt. In response, Foster shifted the restaurant’s format away from its well-known tasting menus to a sharing plates concept in an attempt to adapt to the evolving dining landscape. Despite these efforts, Salt could not regain its former momentum and Foster announced the restaurant’s closure in May 2025.

Foster addressed the closure in a candid statement, describing Salt as “more than a restaurant” and “a piece of me.” He thanked supporters, staff, and guests for their role in the restaurant’s journey, emphasizing the personal significance of the project. Head chef Laura Kimber also paid tribute to the team and Foster, reflecting on the eight-year run as a period of professional growth and camaraderie.

Salt’s closure has resonated within the hospitality industry, given its rapid rise and the recognition it brought to Stratford-upon-Avon. The restaurant’s journey-from its crowd-funded beginnings to Michelin-starred acclaim and eventual closure following the loss of its star-highlights the pressures and volatility facing independent fine dining establishments in the UK.

Paul Foster has indicated he will discuss the closure further on his podcast, The Nightcap, offering insight into the challenges faced in the wake of losing the Michelin star. The end of Salt’s eight-year tenure marks the conclusion of a notable chapter in British dining, underscoring the impact that accolades like Michelin stars can have on a restaurant’s fortunes.