Gateshead Michelin Restaurant Six Rooftop Closes Suddenly

The fine dining scene in Gateshead has been dealt a heavy blow. On February 2, 2026, the renowned SIX Rooftop restaurant, perched atop the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, abruptly closed its doors after 16 years of operation. The announcement, delivered via social media and echoed across local and national outlets, stunned loyal customers and the wider culinary community. For many, the closure of this Michelin Guide-listed venue is more than just the end of a restaurant—it’s the loss of a local institution, a place that combined sweeping views of the Tyne with some of the North East’s finest cuisine.

SIX Rooftop’s journey began in 2009, when it was opened by Fresh Element Ltd. Over the years, it became a staple of Gateshead’s dining landscape, celebrated for its creative menus, commitment to local produce, and a dining room that offered panoramic vistas of the city and river. In 2023, Pneuma Hospitality Group acquired the restaurant, investing in a major refurbishment that culminated in a relaunch in March 2024. The new menu, introduced by head chef Carlson, quickly garnered critical acclaim, earning two AA rosettes and a coveted spot in the Michelin Guide for both 2024 and 2025, as reported by ChronicleLive and The Sun.

Despite these accolades and a devoted following, the restaurant could not weather the mounting pressures facing the UK’s hospitality sector. According to a statement from SIX Rooftop, cited by Express, “Like many in the hospitality sector, we’ve absorbed increasing costs for as long as we could, rather than pass the full impact on to our guests, but the cumulative effect has now become unstable.” The management explained that every possible option to continue trading had been explored, but the “difficult trading conditions, a tough economic climate, and losses over a sustained period” made closure inevitable.

The announcement struck a chord with diners and staff alike. Social media was awash with messages of disappointment and sympathy. One customer wrote, “Sorry to hear this. The food was excellent and the staff were always friendly, welcoming and great at their jobs. Thinking especially of them and hoping they all land on their feet quickly.” Another lamented, “Genuinely gutted; that’s awful news, sorry to hear this,” while others called the venue “iconic” and speculated that “someone will snap it up.” The sense of loss was palpable, particularly for those who had celebrated special occasions or simply enjoyed the restaurant’s famed 9-course tasting menu, which one Tripadvisor reviewer described as “up there with the very best of them.”

The closure of SIX Rooftop did not occur in isolation. It follows a string of high-profile restaurant shutdowns in the region, including Peace and Loaf in Jesmond, which closed in September 2025 after 12 years, Sapori restaurant, and a regional branch of Zapatista burrito bar. The trend is not unique to Gateshead or even the North East; across the UK, hospitality businesses have been battered by rising costs, staff shortages, and fluctuating consumer demand. As The Sun noted, even the Michelin-starred Hjem restaurant in Hexham closed at the end of 2025, marking a period of significant upheaval for the area’s culinary scene.

For many, the reasons behind these closures are all too familiar. The hospitality sector has long operated on thin margins, and the recent economic climate has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities. National insurance increases, business rate hikes, and inflationary pressures have all taken their toll. As one local commenter put it, “As businesses close, the ones that remain can’t expand or employ others.” Another observed, “People haven’t got the cash.” The sentiment is echoed by industry insiders, who warn that without meaningful support, more closures could follow.

In its closing statement, SIX Rooftop expressed gratitude to its customers and staff, acknowledging the dedication and passion that had defined the restaurant for over a decade and a half. “We especially want to thank our dedicated staff, past and present, whose talent, hard work and passion shaped SIX Rooftop and everything it stood for,” the statement read, as reported by ChronicleLive. The restaurant also reassured guests that all valid gift vouchers would be refunded and that customers with existing bookings, including for private events, would be contacted to arrange alternatives or confirm cancellations. “All customers with upcoming bookings, including events, will be contacted to source alternative arrangements or confirm cancellations,” the management said, providing an email address for those seeking refunds.

The community’s response has highlighted not only the affection for SIX Rooftop but also broader anxieties about the future of local dining. Some voiced concerns about the glut of restaurants in the area, with one person noting, “Too many restaurants in town now. Think this is the fourth place I’ve seen close in the last week.” Others pointed to the unique qualities that set SIX apart: “Hands down best restaurant for quality while still maintaining a good portion size! Plus lovely views.” The restaurant’s consistently high Tripadvisor rating—an average of 4.3 out of 5—testifies to its popularity and the high standards it maintained until the very end.

For those who frequented SIX Rooftop, the closure is more than just a lost reservation—it’s the end of an era. The restaurant was a place for celebrations, romantic dinners, and memorable nights out, all set against the backdrop of the Tyne. Its absence will be keenly felt, not just by foodies but by anyone who values the role that independent restaurants play in the fabric of a city. As the hospitality sector faces an uncertain future, the story of SIX Rooftop serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action for policymakers, industry leaders, and diners alike.

For now, the lights atop the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art have dimmed, but the memories—and the legacy—of SIX Rooftop endure in the hearts of its staff and patrons.