Michelin-listed UK restaurant to shut down in days – opened in 2021 | UK | News
Waterhouse Project in Bethnal Green is closing at the end of the month (Image: Instagram)
A Michelin-listed restaurant ranked among England’s top dining destinations is set to close its doors in just a matter of days. The Water House Project, an acclaimed fine dining restaurant in Bethnal Green, East London, will serve its final customers at the end of June after its owners decided not to renew the site’s lease.
The closure brings an end to a remarkable five-year journey for chef Gabriel Waterhouse and partner Patricia Wakaimba, who transformed a small supper club into one of the country’s most highly regarded restaurants.
The pair announced the news on social media earlier this year, admitting that “goodbyes aren’t easy” but saying the timing felt right to begin a new chapter. In a heartfelt message to customers, the owners reflected on the restaurant’s success since opening its permanent home on Corbridge Crescent in 2021.
“While change can be a good thing, goodbyes aren’t easy,” they wrote.
“Looking back on the past five years here makes us incredibly proud. We’ve loved our time on Corbridge Crescent and have poured ourselves completely into this space.”
The Water House Project first began life as a series of twice-weekly supper clubs hosted by Gabriel Waterhouse from his own home before evolving into pop-up events and eventually a permanent restaurant.
Its distinctive approach to fine dining quickly earned praise from critics and customers alike.
The Michelin Guide included the restaurant in its listings, describing it as a place where “you just know you’re going to have a good time”.
The restaurant also secured a place among the Top 10 restaurants in England in the 360° Eat Guide earlier this year.
Known for combining the elegance of fine dining with a relaxed atmosphere, The Water House Project specialises in seasonal tasting menus inspired by ingredients and flavours from across the British Isles.
Diners can choose between the Discovery menu, featuring 11 servings for £100 per person, or the Signature menu, which includes around 14 dishes and costs £125.
Optional alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink pairings are also available to complement the experience.
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One of the restaurant’s trademarks is serving every guest at the same time, creating an intimate dining experience similar to a chef’s table.
The closure marks the latest chapter in a career that has seen Gabriel Waterhouse work in some of Britain’s most prestigious kitchens.
Since entering the industry at the age of 23, he has held roles at celebrated restaurants including Galvin La Chapelle, Lyle’s, The Clove Club, The Ritz Restaurant and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.
The announcement prompted an outpouring of support from loyal customers, many of whom shared memories of special meals and thanked the team for their work.
One diner described the restaurant as “worth every penny”, while others praised the food, service and unique atmosphere that helped it stand out in London’s fiercely competitive dining scene.
While no details have yet been revealed about the future of The Water House Project or what Gabriel Waterhouse and Patricia Wakaimba plan to do next, the owners hinted that new opportunities may lie ahead.
Their farewell message ended on a hopeful note, saying the closure comes with “a great deal of gratitude for what has been and excitement for what’s to come”.
