Popular Chester restaurant Boheme announces shock closure months after Michelin praise

A popular Chester city centre restaurant has shocked fans by announcing its closure - just five months after its much-anticipated opening. It also comes hot on the heels of a coveted Michelin endorsement, with the Bridge Street eatery appearing in the latest Michelin Guide.

Launching back in February this year, Boheme quickly made a name for itself in Chester as one of the top dining options in the city for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

But just months later, co-owner Ben Iles posted on the restaurant's Instagram page announcing its shock closure and thanking the city for the support over the past five months.

Ben said: "Thank you to all of our wonderful staff and customers who have supported Boheme. We’ve had an amazing time and enjoyed our past 5 months of service. It’s been a blast and we wouldn’t have missed it for the world! There are lots of successes, beautiful memories and friendships to take from Boheme. The laughter, the smiles and the sunshine that’s come through these doors will never be forgotten.

"Thank you to our fabulous team who are the heart and soul of this creative place, we couldn’t have done it without you.

“Thank you so much everyone. Wow it’s hard work running a restaurant. I’m knackered.”

The post was met with a slew of messages from disappointed supporters of Boheme, with one saying: "Such a shame. Loved this place".

Another commenter said: "Can’t believe you have closed! It was amazing and the staff were always so fabulous," while one said: "So sad to hear this but thank you for the time it was open, it’s been very special and you should all be proud."

Fellow Bridge Street restaurant The Arthouse also replied, expressing sadness at the news and also understanding, referencing the 'stress and cost' of running the business.

The reply reads: "We’re really sorry to hear this. You help lift the quality of options on the street so it will be sad to see you closed.

"On a more personal note we’re really sad for the both of you that you never got to see it hit its true potential. We can relate to the effort you’ve put in to it and the stress and cost to you and those around you."

In its 2024 Guide in May, Michelin described Boheme - its newest Chester entry - as an "impressive establishment" that serves "well-executed and satisfying dishes".

The Michelin review stated: "Located in the very heart of Chester on one of the city’s famous 13th Century rows, this impressive establishment operates as a café and bakery in the mornings, then slowly morphs throughout the day into a full-blown restaurant for dinner.

"There are three dining areas to choose from, all with a smart brasserie-style feel to them. The menu spotlights prime British ingredients, like terrific Creedy Carver duck, in well-executed and satisfying dishes."

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