A celebrity chef has been “compelled” to close his highly-rated Kent restaurant due to “challenging market conditions”.

The Restaurant MS in Clifton Gardens, Folkestone, owned by Mark Sargeant, shut for the final time earlier this month.

The venue has a five-star rating on Tripadvisor, with 211 out of 218 reviews giving it top marks.

But in an email sent to customers yesterday, seen by KentOnline, bosses wrote: "It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of The Restaurant MS.

“This decision, made after careful consideration, has not been easy. However, the challenging market conditions and an unpredictable future have compelled us to take this step.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued customers, dedicated employees, and supportive suppliers for their unwavering support since our inception, as we could not have achieved this journey without each of you."

The closure is the latest setback for the 51-year-old chef, who has faced a number of challenges with his Folkestone venture.

The former protégé of Gordon Ramsay and National Chef of the Year winner in 2002, took over the venue in 2022 after the closure of Tavernetta, an Italian restaurant that had served the town since 1965.

Mr Sargeant initially launched the eatery as The Brasserie MS in March 2022, promising to deliver “classical French cuisine” in an Art Deco setting.

It was included in the Michelin Guide - but in February 2023, he announced its closure after less than a year of trading, citing “tough trading conditions”.

However, determined to make it work, Mr Sargeant reopened the venue six months later under a new name, The Restaurant MS, vowing to “do it right this time.”

Ahead of the relaunch, the venue’s team expressed their excitement, posting on social media: “We’re so grateful and excited to be open again and ready to serve amazing food.”

But just weeks after the reopening, in November 2023 the business was hit by a leak that caused significant flooding.

Mr Sargeant posted photos of the damage on social media, writing: “Become a chef I thought. Yeah, go into catering they all said! #realitybites.”

Despite the difficulties, The Restaurant MS received rave reviews.

The most recent on Tripadvisor said: “It blew our expectations! The extraordinarily delicious food is artfully presented, and served with perfect timing.

“Even down to the coffee that our server asked if we would like with or after our dessert. All the staff were extremely welcoming, attentive, and knowledgeable. We had the best lunch ever in this gem of a restaurant that Folkestone is so lucky to have.”

Mr Sargeant once spearheaded a Kentish culinary empire that included Rocksalt at Folkestone harbour, The Wife of Bath in Wye, and The Duke William in Ickham, before stepping away in 2021 due to “unresolvable differences” with business partner Josh De Haan.

Following the closure of The Restaurant MS, some customers have raised concerns about pre-purchased vouchers..

An email from bosses says: "All voucher holders will be contacted shortly.

“Please be advised that we can only communicate with the individual who purchased the voucher.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused you.”