While restaurants cling on as best they can until they're allowed to reopen, some have - like Leonardo di Caprio in Titanic - let go of the liferaft and slowly slipped away. It's fair to say that some permanent closures probably aren't particularly unexpected (like Wahlburgers) but others most definitely are.
So we're both surprised and saddened to hear today that two Michelin-starred The Ledbury, considered one of London's very best restaurants, looks unlikely to reopen. Bloomberg's Richard Vines was the first to reveal the story when he tweeted this afternoon.
Chef Brett Graham says he cannot reopen the Ledbury as long as social distancing is in place and he doesn't know what will happen after that. All suppliers have been paid in full at their usual rate and there are no outstanding invoices. Staff are in a consultation period. pic.twitter.com/t6cObqwPhS
— Richard Vines (@Richardvines) June 9, 2020
Vines's story was confirmed by restaurant trade title The Caterer which this afternoon quoted owner Brett Graham who said: "This little restaurant with 50 covers can't operate with even one-metre distancing," Graham told The Caterer. "You couldn't get through reception, go to the toilet, work in the kitchen or make coffee. One metre is completely unworkable.
On the issue of telling his staff, Brett added: "It's the hardest thing I've ever had to do, seeing all their faces," he said. "It was quite emotional. We were the longest-standing two-Michelin-starred restaurant in London behind Le Gavroche. We celebrated our 15th anniversary recently while the restaurant was closed."
More about The Ledbury
Where is it? 127 Ledbury Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2AQ
Find out more: Visit their website.
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