Lockdown claims two of London’s best restaurants
Closure looms for Le Caprice and The Ledbury as Government’s Covid-19 restrictions are blamed
TWO of London’s most famous restaurants are closing as a result of the effects of the coronavirus crisis.
Le Caprice, the Piccadilly restaurant beloved by Diana, Princess of Wales and stars including Mick Jagger and Elizabeth Taylor, will not be reopening after lockdown, although it intends to move to a new location.
The two-michelin-starred Ledbury in Notting Hill, which is rated among the world’s top 50, is also to close indefinitely because it says social distancing makes it impossible to continue. Le Caprice was opened in 1947 by Mario Gallati, and went on to become a haven for the famous before being bought by its current owner, multi-millionaire businessman Richard Caring.
Mr Caring accused Boris Johnson of “weakness and indecision” over reopening catering establishments, warning that it would cost more than two million workers their jobs. He said the Prime Minister was “killing the country” by failing to outline when they could reopen, and whether they would have to abide by the two-metre distancing rule. He added that ministers had grossly underestimated the perma- nent damage being done to Britain’s 26,000 restaurants. He warned that once state aid measures are withdrawn, “50 per cent or 60 per cent” of the hospitality workforce could be laid off and restaurants, cafés and bars shuttered for good.
Brett Graham, The Ledbury owner and chef, announced his restaurant’s indefinite closure by warning it would be impossible to keep staff and customers safe with even one-metre distancing restrictions in place. He said: “You couldn’t get through reception, go to the toilet, work in the kitchen or make coffee. One metre is completely unworkable. The business model of a high average spend in a small dining room can’t be done properly without going against government guidelines. The economy is a mess, people won’t be able to travel, and a lot of people who dine at The Ledbury are tourists.”
The restaurant is the longest standing restaurant in London after Le Gavroche to have two Michelin stars. Mr Graham notified staff that all roles were being made redundant last week with a 30-day consultation period. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, seeing all their faces,” he said.
Major London hotels are reported to have delayed opening until September, and are cutting staff by 25 per cent. The hospitality industry wants Mr Johnson to take a decision on reducing the twometre rule by next Tuesday – or risk mass lay-offs. The problems have been compounded by the Government’s 14day quarantine deterring foreign visitors. A survey of hospitality, travel and tourism bosses found that 71 per cent planned to lay off up to 60 per cent of staff if it continued into July.
A spokesman for Le Caprice said its lease was coming to an end, but it would be “reborn at a new location currently under negotiation”.