A TOP restaurant which was opened in York by Michelin-starred chef Jeff Baker seven years ago has closed and is for sale.

J Baker’s was created in the former premises of Rish restaurant in Fossgate in March 2006.

Jeff Baker, who has cooked for the Queen and was the first chef to achieve a Michelin star in Leeds, said then he would turn the former fine-dining restaurant into a bistro.

He pledged to go “back to basics” to offer simple, affordable food with the accent on quality, with produce sourced locally, including beef from Scott’s, the former butchers in Petergate, and seafood from the coast off North Yorkshire.

The opening of J Baker’s was part of a growing trend over the past decade for some of the city’s finest restaurants to locate in the street.

But the restaurant shut down recently, and it is being offered by agents DDC Davey Co on a private lease for £135,000.

The agency’s website says the restaurant is in a prime city centre trading location, with superbly fitted ground and first-floor trading areas, two bar areas and 70 cover dining, and net annual sales around £420,000 excluding VAT. It says there is also exceptional three-quarter bedroom self-contained owner’s accommodation.

Some reviewers on the website tripadvisor.co.uk have suggested that other, negative reviews had been a factor in the closure.

One said: ‘The King leaves with his head held high. This is the last time I will ever write a review on tripadvisor as this web page has contributed to this truly magnificent chef leaving the city of York.” It added: “Good Luck J Baker we will truly miss your greatness.”

The Press was unable to contact Mr Baker or his business partner, Neil Nugent. A spokesman for DDC Davey Co declined to comment.