Michelin-starred chef Paul Kitching is to launch a new venture in Edinburgh after his departure from his current restaurant Juniper in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.

Kitching and partner Katie O’Brien, who are leaving Juniper after 12 years, told the Manchester Evening News they plan to open a hotel-restaurant venture in the Scottish capital and gain a second Michelin star.

Backed by a private investor, the venture will be called Hotel Angela, after Kitching’s mother who passed away five years ago.

The couple are currently looking at three possible sites in Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town and plan to launch a six to eight bedroom property with a 35-cover restaurant serving classic food.

“I have spent the last few years living up to a reputation. I felt trapped,” Kitching said.

“Folk come up from London expecting dishes involving Weetabix and Horlicks, stuff I haven’t cooked for four five, years. It’s time for me to grow up, cook in a different way.”

Kitching and O’Brien ran Juniper for 12 years, retaining a Michelin star for 11 years.

The restaurant was recently included in the top 40 UK eateries by the Good Food Guide.

Soups, the company which owns the lease for Juniper is looking for a new chef to take over the restaurant and retain its Michelin star.

For a full list of Michelin starred restaurants in the UK here >>

Read the full story in the Manchester Evening News here >>

Michelin awards France 61 new stars >>

Juniper website >>

By Kerstin Kühn

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