MasterChef winner closes Michelin Guide really useful restaurant after solely three years
A MasterChef winner is closing his restaurant after only three years, revealing that ‘it’s time to move on’ – and focus on fatherhood.
Stu Deeley, from Birmingham, took home the trophy in 2019 – and in 2021, opened his own eatery, titled Smoke at luxury hotel Hampton Manor, in Solihull.
It promised diners ‘wood fired feasts’ and seasonal produce which is ‘cooked with creative simplicity and soul’.
However, the cook has now announced, in an Instagram post that ‘all good things must come to an end’.
‘After nearly 4 years at @hamptonmanor and over 3 years of @smoke_hamptonmanor it’s time for me to move on,’ he penned.
‘It wasn’t an easy decision to make. After winning Masterchef in 2019. Then, immediately going into a pandemic. When Smoke opened in August 2021, it really did become a home away from home.
‘Seeing the amazing people that have passed through the team and the encouragement we have received from guests and guides alike, and I’m over the moon to say we are still as busy as ever.’
Stu thanked the wider team at both the restaurant and James and Fjona Hill – who own the manor – for their help over the years, and promised he will be cooking for New Year’s Eve at the manor.
Stu Deeley, from Birmingham , took home the trophy in 2019 – and in 2021, opened his own eatery, titled Smoke at luxury hotel Hampton Manor, in Solihull
A MasterChef winner is closing his restaurant after only three years, revealing that ‘it’s time to move on’ – and focus on fatherhood
Stu thanked the wider team at both the restaurant and James and Fjona Hill – who own the manor – for their help over the years, and promised he will be cooking for New Year’s Eve at the manor
Smoke will also ‘continue as normal’ until February 23.
‘What’s next for Smokes Location will be amazing as @jamesandfjona will never settle for anything less,’ he continued.
However, he revealed that a big focus of his at the moment will be welcoming his new baby.
‘I will let you all in on what’s next when the times are right, but for now… we have baby Deeley on the way,’ the chef wrote.
‘So my focus will be on Nursery’s and baby proofing the house (3rd and final baby, hope you’re listening Tash). Merry Christmas, you filthy Animals! Stu.’
In a social media post, Hampton Manor also confirmed the news, writing: ‘As an estate, we’re constantly evolving and we’re excited to share that 2025 will be no exception.
On February 27, we’re opening Kynd, a new, produce-led restaurant, celebrating the joy of food through simple, thoughtful cooking. From our own Michelin-starred chef, @david_taylorchef, expect generous dishes, rooted in comfort, heritage and flavour.
’Kynd will open on the current site of @smoke_hamptonmanor, and after four soul-filled years on the estate, @stuart_deeley will be moving on from Hampton Manor.
It promised diners ‘wood fired feasts’ and seasonal produce which is ‘cooked with creative simplicity and soul’
Commenters were heartbroken to learn of the restaurant’s fate, writing that they’d had some of their best meals there
‘We’re hugely grateful for Stu’s contribution to the estate throughout his time with us. Putting the old furnace house on the map, Stu has led Smoke from strength to strength, achieving 3 AA rosettes, some exceptional reviews and gaining a sizeable fan club.
‘Before embarking on his next project, Stu will be taking time out with his family, to coincide with the birth of his third child. We know you’ll join us in wishing Stu and his wife all the very best for what is bound to be a bright future.’
Stu opened Smoke in 2021, after plans were put on hold during the pandemic. He had planned to launch the restaurant in the summer of 2020, in the city, but an investor pulled out.
The culinary star had initially joined the manor’s restaurant, Peel’s, as sous chef – before going on to become its development chef.
Speaking of the opening three years ago, Stu gushed of the ‘amazing feeling’.
‘I think as I’ve got older and as if I’ve kind of been cooking for longer, I really just like food that’s slightly simpler,’ he told the BBC.
‘I’m not so interested in foams and gels and whatever any more. I just want a really nice cooked piece of meat and some really nice veg to go on the side.’
He added: ‘I’m just fortunate that we didn’t open and then had to close.
‘I’m a big believer in fate and I think if you dwell on the fact that something didn’t happen, then you’re gonna spend your life regretting missed opportunities that you could go for instead.’
As per Hampton Manor’s website, Smoke is ‘the honest setting of the old furnace house where you can shake off your best manners and dig in’.
It also reads: ‘The space invites convivial gatherings and romance with its rustic charm, fire pits, greenhouses and stripped back vibe.’
Commenters were heartbroken to learn of the restaurant’s fate, writing that they’d had some of their best meals there.
‘Good luck @stuart_deeley, enjoy some family time and looking forward to hear about the new chapter,’ one penned.
Another added: ‘Good luck mate had one of the best meals of 2024 at Smoke, big love to you at the team.’
Elsewhere, a third wrote: ‘Love it bro, and well done!! Loved every meal we had with you x.’
Stu has previously opened up about wanting to be a chef as young as 14.
Speaking to Great British Chefs, he revealed: ‘I started watching Gordon Ramsay, Ready Steady Cook, almost any TV cooking programme. I became obsessed with the idea.’
He got his start working in a cafe, and before long was being trained at Jamie’s Italian in the city.
Next came a three-year stint at Brockencote Hall Hotel in Kidderminster, and after that, Simpsons in Edgbaston.
He has also worked at Mallory Court Hotel and Alex Claridge’s The Wilderness before bagging a spot on MasterChef.
Speaking of his time on the show, he revealed: ‘As the rounds went on I got progressively better at having my own voice and personality.
‘I loved it. The later rounds were the easier ones for me.’
