Newcastle restaurant listed in Michelin Guide announces immediate closure

Newcastle neighbourhood bistro Ophelia has closed its doors permanently, the chef who launched the venture has announced.

Nick Grieves, the head chef who left a career in construction to teach himself how to cook, opened Ophelia in Gosforth in January 2023 as a sister venue to the popular Jesmond venue The Patricia, after joining forces with an investor to create new company GRDY Restaurant Group.

The French restaurant and bar garnered rave reviews from its restaurateur peers when it opened, welcoming fellow chefs Simon King and Terry Laybourne, and earned its entry in the Michelin Guide’s best restaurants in Newcastle list as a “slick neighbourhood brasserie that wears its French heart on its sleeve”.

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But 21 months on, Mr Grieves has told customers that the venue has now delivered its final service.

In an Instagram post to customers which starts with the French phrase ‘Je te reverrai dans une autre vie quand nous serons tous les deux chats’ – which means ‘I’ll see you in another life when we are both cats’ – he said: “It is with great sadness that I have to announce the permanent closure of our restaurant.

“The circumstances have been sudden and I apologise to the many guests that were due to visit us in the coming months. I don’t want to say too much at this time, but would just like to thank the wonderful people that have helped me for almost the last decade in my Newcastle restaurant adventure.

“My teams throughout both restaurants have been without question, wonderful. Our guests, beautiful. It’s been a pleasure. Merci, Nick x”

The lease on the original venue The Patricia came to an over a year ago and is now set to be turned into a brewery tap.

The closure comes six months after the group closed its neighbouring venue Cafeteria, an upmarket retro cafe serving top notch breakfasts, pie and mash and chip butties. At the time Mr Grieves said: “Unfortunately, sometimes things just don’t work – we gave it a good shot but things never really came together and never really felt like ‘us’. It’s a tough time out there and, unfortunately, this is the best decision to make sure our business remains strong.”

Diners have been saddened by news of Ophelia’s closure, commenting on Mr Grieves’ post, which shows the staff hugging in the restaurant kitchen. One customer said: “This must be the saddest news for Newcastle food scene! Send you all the hugs and lucks for what comes next.”

Another said: “Gutted for you and for us. Ophelia was one of the best places in Newcastle. We loved it. I can only hope you’ll be a phoenix rising in due course. The talent is there for sure. All the best to you.” while another added: “So sorry to hear this. We have had great evenings and brilliant food at Ophelia, The Patricia and during the Vinny’s takeover. All the best for what comes next.”

Customers with outstanding vouchers for the restaurant are being asked to email opheliavoucher@gmail.com.