Much-loved top North Yorkshire restaurant closes due to retirement of head chef
Orchard Lodge and the Wolds Restaurant (Image: Ernest Wilson)
A much-loved North Yorkshire restaurant has closed “for the foreseeable future” following the retirement of its head chef.
The Wolds Restaurant at Orchard Lodge, Flixton, near Scarborough, served its “final dinner” on Saturday night.
The owners of Orchard Lodge. Andrew and Lucinda Jenkins, announced the closure on Facebook that morning.
The couple posted: “It is with a heavy heart that we share some sad news.
- Wolds Restaurant, Flixton, earns perfect TripAdvisor rating
- Flixton restaurant Wolds celebrates success in food awards
- Andrew and Lucinda Jenkins to sell Orchard Lodge and travel
- Wolds pub where David Hockney first got drunk is for sale
“After much consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close Wolds Restaurant for the foreseeable future.”
Their post continued: "Chef Michael Burgoyne, who has brought such extraordinary skill and passion to every plate, has decided to retire with immediate effect for personal reasons. We could not be more grateful for everything he has given to Wolds - and to every guest who sat at one of our tables.”
The couple have been busy contacting customers.
Andrew and Lucinda added: “Our wonderful team will continue with us here at Orchard Lodge, and our guest house rooms remain fully open. If you've been thinking about a stay in Yorkshire, we would genuinely love to welcome you to this beautiful part of the country.
Andrew and Lucinda Jenkins have placed their business on the market, planning to go travelling once it is sold.
(Image: Pic supplied)
“We hope that one day, Wolds will return.
“To everyone who has dined with us, celebrated with us, and supported us over the last three and a half years - thank you. From the bottom of our hearts.”
Michael Burgoyne is an acclaimed chef who had trained with top-rated Michelin-starred restaurants in London, including The Savoy. He also opened a Michelin-guided restaurant in Cambridge.
Michael also helped Orchard Lodge and Wolds Restaurant win many awards including two AA rosettes for culinary excellence. Last autumn, the venue also won a prestigious Gold Seal in the Good Food Awards.
Tripadvisor also awards Wolds Restaurant a perfect five stars out of five based on 71 reviews.
Michael’s retirement follows Andrew and Lucinda recently placing Orchard Lodge on the market with Ernest Wilson seeking ‘offers around £799,950’ for the freehold business and property.
The former teachers have run the venue since 2016, but now they have decided to retire and travel for a year in a motorhome, as previously reported by the York Press.
Dozens of commentators have greeted the restaurant closure with sadness.
One post underneath the announcement said: “Without a doubt the best restaurant for miles. So sorry to hear that you are closing. Good luck to everyone involved in creating a truly culinary experience, you will be missed.”
Another said: “So very sad to hear you’re closing the restaurant, one of my favourites anywhere we’ve ever eaten. Wishing you and chef all the best.”
And another added: “We are devastated but wish Michael all the best - we hope you will open once again and we will get to experience your hospitality. With much love and thanks.”