London November 2025: Kota, Chef Jude Kereama’s much lauded restaurant, will be launching a takeover this winter, within its sister restaurant, Kota Kai, positioned on the harbour head in Porthleven.
From November 6th Kota will operate three days a week (Thursday to Saturday), taking over the beautifully appointed lounge at Kota Kai, offering the same dining experience guests know and love, in a different, but just as special, setting.
Jude Kereama said "2025 has been one of the most challenging years the hospitality industry has faced. Whilst we remain positive about the future, we also feel it’s important to be transparent about the realities we’re navigating. Rising costs and shifting dining habits have forced all of us to think differently about how we operate. I’m fortunate to have Kota Kai just next door, which gives us the flexibility to adapt rather than stand still. Consolidating for the winter is a practical decision, as it allows us to protect our team, maintain the quality of experience our guests expect, and ensure Kota continues to thrive as we head towards our twentieth year."
The winter menu stays true to Kota - featuring nostalgic dishes that have defined it over the years, all true to Jude’s style but with a fresh take. Guests will still have the option to enjoy the tasting menu, alongside an array of snacks. Dishes will include versions of some of Kota’s most-loved dishes including Rockpool 2025, Duo of Duck 2025, Mackerel tartare and Crab raviolo with spicy bisque and sea vegetables, which will be familiar to those who have seen Jude appear on Great British Menu over the years. The Kota front of house team will all be moving across for the takeover, led by Kota’s manager Elle Lagdon, and will ensure the same friendly and warm welcome guests have grown to know and love.
“Bringing both restaurants together under one roof this winter feels like a natural and positive step forward and we’re looking at this as a chance to refocus, stay resilient through the quieter months, and continue sharing the spirit of Kota in a lively, welcoming setting at Kota Kai. As we approach 2026 and celebrate Kota’s 20th anniversary, we’re filled with renewed energy and optimism for the future and can’t wait to welcome guests back to where it all began.”
Guests can expect to see Jude in the kitchen throughout the winter, where he’ll be overseeing both restaurants, with head chefs Sean Sjoholm and Ryan Venning, leading the teams for Kota and Kota Kai respectively in what promises to be a busy and exciting winter season in Porthleven.
END
Notes for Editors
Kota - https://kotarestaurant.co.uk/
Chef patron Jude Kereama
Four course tasting menus from £60
Vegetarian and Vegan options available
Jude Kereama was born in New Zealand where he honed his skills in the kitchen with Simon Gault, before travelling to the UK where he met his late wife Jane. Searching for a restaurant in the UK, they settled in Porthleven and opened Kota in 2006, before launching sister restaurant Kota Kai in 2011. Kota and Kota Kai are located on the harbour head at Porthleven, in the heart of the Cornish fishing town.
Jude has represented the South West in the Great British Menu, and was South West champion, and banquet chef in 2021.
Jude is a hands on and passionate chef, and one of the founders of the Porthleven Food Festival
He regularly donates his time and skill to charity events throughout the South West. His warmth and enthusiasm for Cornwall and its bounties comes across in his restaurants, and it is little wonder so many guests return so often.
Jude earned the Trencherman's Award for 'Special Contribution' in 2020 and was named 'Chef Of The Year' in 2019. Kota is proud to have been recognised by the Good Food Guide, the Michelin Guide with a prestigious Bib Gourmand Award and the AA (with three Rosettes).
Kota has three bedrooms available to guests who would like to stay in Porthleven.
Press Contacts
Charlotte Allen [email protected]
and Diana Massey [email protected]
