Mark Hix to close flagship restaurant Hix Soho a decade after opening

Chef Mark Hix's flagship restaurant Hix Soho in Brewer Street is to close after a decade in business due to increasing rent costs.

Hix said: "We've enjoyed a very good run in Soho, but sadly due to rising rents and difficult market conditions we aren't able to find a way to carry on, a growing problem for restaurateurs across London. I can't thank our loyal customers and hardworking staff enough, who've been the life and soul of HIX Soho."

The restaurant recently relaunched with an emphasis on British seafood, seasonal dishes and sourcing from local suppliers.

Hix Soho will remain open to the public and available for private events until it permanently closes its doors on 22 December.

In an Instagram post Hix added that the other London venues Tramshed, Hixter, HIX Oyster & Chop House and HIX Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis "will continue as normal".

Hix entered a joint venture with hospitality business Westbury Street Holdings (WSH) in 2016. His Mayfair restaurant in Brown's Hotel closed in 2017 after the 10-year contract ended.

He was named Chef of the Year at the 2010 Catey Awards and in 2016 was made an MBE for his services to hospitality.