Pidgin in Hackney, one of the stars of the east London dining scene, is to close after nine years at the end of next week – and will be replaced by a new venture, Sesta, led by current head chef Drew Snaith and former manager Hannah Kowalski (pictured).

Belying its diminutive size, Pidgin was hugely influential among hip independent restaurants – most notably for its hardline approach of never repeating a dish on a menu that changed every week.

Announcing the closure on Instagram, founders James Ramsden and Sam Herlihy said: “Many people dream of opening a restaurant. Not many dream of closing one. So while we’re sad to put a full-stop on this chapter, we are excited and reassured that two brilliant people will be realising their own dream.” 

Opening next month, Sesta will offer “modern, creative takes on British and European classics“, with Drew’s interest in Southeast Asian and live-fire cooking added to the mix. The menu will change with the seasons, and will be accompanied by a list of European natural wines and cocktails. Most of the current Pidgin team are expected to remain on board.