A former Michelin-star restaurant is still up for sale eight months after first hitting the market, as the wait for a new owner goes on. 

In January this year, top restaurant the Raby Hunt in Summerhouse, near Darlington, revealed that it had closed its doors after two Michelin-starred chef James Close announced that he'd stepped away from the venue after 14 years.

In the aftermath of the closure, the restaurant, which is believed to be owned by Mr Close's parents, appeared on the market on the business sale websites Christie & Co and Rightmove for £750,000.

The outside of the Raby HuntThe outside of the Raby Hunt (Image: RIGHTMOVE) And the sale listing remains online more than eight months after initially appearing - again, for £750,000.

At the start of the year, Mr Close announced that he was leaving the Raby Hunt behind and taking on a new challenge at Rockliffe Hall in Darlington, where he has since opened restaurant Terra. 

Mr Close was the first chef in the North East to be awarded two Michelin stars, making the Raby Hunt one of just 20 two-Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK and the only two-star restaurant in the North East.

The kitchen of the Raby HuntThe kitchen of the Raby Hunt (Image: RIGHTMOVE) On the listing, Christie & Co says: "Set in a pretty rural village, this former drovers' inn was previously part of the Raby Estate.

"The Raby Hunt is a superb example of a state-of-the-art restaurant decorated in a contemporary style, fully fitted with cutting-edge equipment and high-end furnishing.

"The property is in turnkey condition, and able to trade immediately without any need for investment."

The listing adds: "The Raby Hunt presents a superb opportunity for a restaurateur to purchase a 'best in class' premises which was established as a high-end eatery in 2009, gaining its first Michelin Star in 2012 and a second in 2017 under the stewardship of Chef Patron, James Close.

The dining space of the Raby HuntThe dining space of the Raby Hunt (Image: RIGHTMOVE) "Fantastic opportunity to purchase one of the top restaurants in the UK, recently voted fourth best restaurant in the UK by Good Food Guide and current holder of two Michelin Stars.

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"Equally, if somebody wanted to reposition the business as a more traditional restaurant operation then this is more than feasible. The property could also be converted into a stunning Bed and Breakfast."

According to the Christie & Co listing, the average turnover for the last two years for the Raby Hunt is £1,098,807 per year and the average adjusted net profit for the last two years is £203,690 per year.

The benefits of the listing: 

  • 2 Michelin Star Restaurant
  • Quintessential Rural Village Setting
  • Superbly fitted & immaculately presented
  • Five double ensuite letting bedrooms
  • Average t/o for last 2 years: £1,098,807p/y
  • Grade II Listed. EPC Rating C