MYSTERY surrounds the fate of a restaurant that was once one the city’s most popular.

Sam’s of Brighton has been closed for business for at least two weeks, according to neighbours.

The once bustling bistro, in Paston Place, Kemp Town, has been a popular destination for quality dining for some 15 years.

But the restaurant is closed without explanation and neighbours and customers are none the wiser as to why.

Founder Sam Metcalfe, who cut his teeth at Chez Nico, The Groucho Club and Pied a Terre, was once one of the city’s best known chefs, and just two and half years ago he owned two successful restaurants.

Sam’s of Seven Dials in Buckingham Place held two AA Rosettes, was included in the Good Food Guide and a received rave review from Observer food critic Jay Rayner.

But it was closed in 2013 with Mr Metcalfe blaming rising food costs and a reluctance among diners to pay above average prices.

At the time Mr Metcalfe said he was closing the restaurant pre-emptively in order to concentrate on the 60-cover Sam’s of Brighton and his own catering business.

Last year Ollie Couillaud, formerly of top London restaurants La Trompette, Chez Bruce, The Square and The Dorchester, joined Sam’s of Brighton as executive chef and took a stake in the business.

The pair hosted a series of supper clubs together and hinted at plans for a new city centre restaurant.

However it is understood Mr Metcalfe has now moved to New Zealand with his wife, has transferred the remainder of the restaurant to Mr Couillaud and only returned to the UK over the summer to run a Sam's of Brighton burger stall at festivals.

Meanwhile, according to one source Mr Couillaud has “vanished” and social media posts would suggest he is living and working back in London.

Neighbouring companies said staff at the bistro had complained over a lack of business but could not explain if it had closed for good.

Hannah Etheridge, of Proud Cabaret next door, said: “We only noticed the other day that they weren’t open after we went over last week.

“One of the chefs was saying how no one knew they were there.”

Neither Sam Metcalfe or Ollie Couillaud could be reached for comment.