The ambitious Somerset restaurant 28 Market Place has closed down, just three years after opening.

Occupying a group of 17th and 18th-century buildings in the historic market town of Somerton, the restaurant and its adjoining bakery and wine shop were founded by former Soho House and French Laundry director Ben Crofton and his wife Vanessa.

The 2023 Harden’s guide praised 28 Market Place as an “excellent addition to the West Country restaurant scene“, serving “remarkably good, modern English-style food“.

The Croftons parted company with their backers last November, and launch chef Dan Fletcher was replaced as head chef by Matt Heeley.

The closure was announced in an Instagram post over Easter, which said: “We did all we could until the very end, but it just wasn’t enough.”

The team added: “Thank you all, for the good times, the services filled with love and joy, your company and your custom. We are eternally grateful to you all. Over and out Somerton. We will miss you so very, very much.”