Masterchef star to close Solihull restaurant and says 'time for me to move on'

A multiple-award-winning Solihull restaurant will close in the New Year after chef director Stu Deeley announced it was 'time for me to move on'. The MasterChef: The Professionals winner has worked in the kitchens of Hampton Manor for four years after starting out there as a sous chef at Peel's, which closed in 2022.

The Birmingham chef opened Smoke in the foodie hotel's unused smokehouse in 2021 and earned the restaurant three AA rosettes and a recommendation in the Michelin Guide. Stu added another string to his bow earlier this year when he became the executive chef at Laghi's in Edgbaston.

Now, Stu looks set to take on his next venture after taking a break to coincide with the birth of his third child. Hampton Manor confirmed the upcoming closure of Smoke on February 23 and revealed details of a new produce-led concept opening in its place.

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The Hampton-in-Arden-based hotel said in a post on social media: "As an estate, we're constantly evolving and we're excited to share that 2025 will be no exception. On February 27, we're opening Kynd, a new, produce-led restaurant, celebrating the joy of food through simple, thoughtful cooking. From our own Michelin-starred chef, David Taylor, expect generous dishes, rooted in comfort, heritage and flavour.

"Kynd will open on the current site of Smoke and after four soul-filled years on the estate, Stuart Deeley will be moving on from Hampton Manor. We're hugely grateful for Stu's contribution to the estate throughout his time with us. Putting the old furnace house on the map, Stu has led Smoke form strength to strength, achieving three AA rosettes, some exceptional reviews and gaining a sizeable fan club."

Stu confirmed the news on his own social media, saying: "All good things must come to an end! After nearly four years at Hampton Manor and over three years of Smoke, it's time for me to move on.

"It wasn't an easy decision to make. After winning Masterchef in 2019. Then, immediately going into a pandemic. When Smoke opened in August 2021, it really did become a home away from home.

"Seeing the amazing people that have passed through the team and the encouragement we have received from guests and guides alike, and I'm over the moon to say we are still as busy as ever.

"Thank you to James and Fjona for the opportunity to help make smoke become what it is today. Thank you to the team past and present at smoke and the wider estate.

"I will be cooking NYE at the manor, and Smoke will continue as normal until February 23. What's next for Smoke's location will be amazing as James and Fjona will never settle for anything less. I will let you all in on what's next when the times are right, but for now, we have baby Deeley on the way."