The winner of a BBC cooking show has decided to shut his restaurant in Islington.

Restaurant 12:51, which described itself as Michelin-level dining in a relaxed environment, shut its doors in Upper Street at the end of last month.

Owner James Cochran opened the venue after winning TV show Great British Menu in 2018.

He told Hot Dinners that the restaurant was defined by his ethos that “anyone could enjoy fine dining, classical cooking techniques without the stuffiness”.

He added: “Seeing that realised has been a dream.

"We have had countless guests come through our doors, and it’s been an honour to serve every one of them, as well as serve alongside every staff member who has made 12:51 possible over the years."

According to Time Out, the restaurant had become famous for its fusion of Scottish and Caribbean cuisine (a nod to Cochran’s heritage), and its Sunday roasts. 

Cochran’s future plans have not yet been revealed, nor is it known what will replace 12:51 at 107 Upper Street.