Stoke Mill restaurant near Norwich 'not going anywhere'

STORE, Stoke Mill's Michelin-starred dining experience, will close this September because of the loss of its head chef, Liam Nichols.

This announcement saw owner Ludo Iaccarino receive an influx of panicked calls and emails asking if the Mill Road business was finished. 

Stoke Mill WILL remain open, assures owner Ludo (Image: Newsquest)

But Ludo, who has run Stoke Mill since his father's passing in 2013, said this was far from the truth. 

"It is true that STORE, our amazing fine dining experience, is going away - but Stoke Mill is not going anywhere.

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"It's Norfolk's oldest restaurant and is doing well despite the tough times we're all currently going through."

The dining room will be used for a new tasting menu (Image: Archant)

The dining room where STORE was located will be used instead as a private dining room with a new taster menu cooked up by sous chef Hazel Yuill.

The new tastes and smells will be served to parties of eight to 16 from September 1, as well as at people's homes if preferred.  

"In essence, nothing is really closing, just changing," Ludo added. "And all part of the Mill's newest adventure."

Ludo with chefs Andy Rudd (left) and Liam Nichols (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Stoke Mill dates back to 1814 when the Colmans started milling and making mustard using the power of running water. 

Ludo's father Rio, who was originally from Sorrento in Italy, bought it in the 1960s and turned it into a high-end dining spot with a retro feel.

When Rio passed away in 2013, Ludo invited top chef Andy Rudd to join him in the business and the pair restored the mill to what it is today.