British chef Tarek Thoma, renowned for his work in Michelin-starred kitchens and for cooking for U.S. President George W. Bush, has seen one of his popular restaurants in Middlesbrough, UK, suddenly shut down. Thoma, who owns a string of successful dining establishments in the region, has had the doors of his restaurant Oven chained up, signaling its closure. The incident has left fans of the restaurant disheartened and raised questions about what led to this abrupt development.
Opened in 2015, Oven was one of Middlesbrough’s most popular dining spots, offering a menu that spanned British, French, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines. The restaurant’s stylish ambiance, with its leafy al fresco dining area and elegant wooden paneling, attracted customers looking for a high-end yet affordable dining experience. Thoma had invested a substantial £500,000 in the restaurant, aiming to provide a Michelin-star experience at accessible prices.
However, on October 2, 2024, customers arriving for their bookings were greeted by eviction notices taped to the windows and chains wrapped around the doors. According to reports, the landlords had taken possession of the premises due to unresolved issues with the tenancy, leading to the difficult decision to reclaim the property. Fans of the restaurant expressed their disappointment on social media, with one customer describing how their special occasion was derailed when they arrived to find the restaurant closed.
Thoma’s Oven had gained a loyal following not only for its food but also for the Michelin-level skills of its chefs, many of whom were trained under his expert guidance. Tarek Thoma’s illustrious career includes working in famous Michelin-starred restaurants like L’Escargot in London and Chapter One in Kent. His culinary credentials also include cooking for prominent figures such as former U.S. President George W. Bush and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Despite the closure of Oven, Thoma continues to operate his other restaurant, Bazaar, which remains open and popular among locals. An employee at Bazaar confirmed the closure of Oven, adding to the sense of loss felt by fans of the eatery. While Oven’s future remains uncertain, it is clear that Thoma’s contribution to the culinary scene in Middlesbrough, and beyond, has left a lasting impact.
Landlords Pneuma Group confirmed that there were issues with the tenancy, but have not provided further details about whether Oven could reopen in the future. For now, fans of the restaurant are left wondering what will happen to this beloved dining spot, which played such a significant role in Middlesbrough’s burgeoning food scene.
