Atul Kochhar closes Vatika and plans to relocate restaurant to London
Michelin-starred Indian chef Atul Kochhar has closed his restaurant Vatika on Wickham Vineyard in Hampshire.
Kochhar, who first opened Vatika in summer 2008, will relocate the restaurant to London where he plans to reopen it next year. However, a new site for the restaurant has not yet been earmarked.
Vatika, which means "orchard" in Hindi and Sanskrit, overlooked the vineyards at Wickham offering a modern British menu with an Indian twist.
In a statement Kochhar said: "Vatika will make a very exciting addition to the restaurant scene in London."
Kochhar, who was one of the first Indian chefs to gain a Michelin star, opened his first restaurant, Benares, on London's Berkeley Square in 2003. He gained wider public fame after appearing on the BBC's Great British Menu.
Benares reopened last year after being forced to shut for four months following a fire.
Kochhar was unavailable for further comment.
Michelin-starred Benares closed by fire >>
Atul Kochhar opens second restaurant Vatika >>
By Kerstin Kühn
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