Popular Isle of Wight restaurant Heron Ryde shock closure

Heron, on Castle Street just off Union Street in Ryde, has unexpectedly shut its doors, bringing to an end five years of service in the town.

The closure was confirmed in a message shared on social media by chef Alex Kimber and the team behind the restaurant on Saturday (August 9).

Heron in Ryde (Image: Heron IOW)

"We are sorry to announce that today (Saturday) will be the last service for Herons Ryde Restaurant,” the message reads.

“Alex has had an amazing five years at Ryde, and it has helped to build the foundation for the rest of Heron’s businesses across the Island, which are continuing to flourish and grow."

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The post continued with thanks to loyal customers and staff.

"Chef Alex and the rest of the team cannot thank everyone enough for their continued support over the years.

“A huge thank you to all the staff who have worked for us over the years, we couldn’t have done it without you!"

Chef Alex Kimber at the new Heron Smoke House at Robin Hill (Image: IWCP)

This marks the second closure for Heron in 2025.

In February, Heron Cowes - which operated for just nine months - also shut suddenly, despite promising beginnings on the town’s High Street.

However, Alex has continued to expand his culinary ventures elsewhere on the Island.

In July last year, he was also part of the creation of Braai, a farm-to-fork pop-up restaurant set in a disused cattle shed on Nunwell Estate in Brading.

The collaboration between Nunwell Farm, Wight Knuckle Brewery, Wight Whisky, and Heron offers a unique dining experience every weekend until mid-September.

• Read more: First look inside Robin Hill's new Smoke House restaurant

Food at Heron Smoke House at Robin Hill (Image: IWCP)

In May, he launched Heron Smoke House at Robin Hill, transforming an old storage building at the top of the country park into a rustic eatery specialising in smoked island produce.

Adding to an already busy summer, Alex once again served up Island flavours at Wimbledon, where he has previously cooked for VIP guests at the prestigious tennis championships.

On the menu was meat supplied by Ryde-based Island Foods, sourced from several Isle of Wight farms. 

Steve Doe and Adam Doe of Island Foods, left and right, with chef Alex Kimber (Image: Island Foods)