Scott’s expansion plans put on ice after public objections

IT IS renowned for hosting celebrity spats, parties and romances. Yet Scott’s in Mayfair has become the subject of an unlikely row with the inhabitants of another nearby affluent west London neighbourhood.

Richmond council has received several objections after Richard Caring, the billionaire restaurant entrepreneur – who also owns The Ivy, Sexy Fish and J. Sheekey – submitted plans to open a sister outlet to his famous seafood establishment on the banks of the Thames and near the old town hall.

Last summer he promised that the Richmond branch would offer “a little more sashimi, a little more fun on the river”.

However, he has become embroiled in a planning row and now faces vehement opposition from Quinlan Terry, the renowned architect, as well as the Richmond Society, which campaigns to protect and preserve the area’s historic buildings and heritage.

Among the reasons for their “strong objections” to the proposals, include the “disfigurement” of the riverside.

Scott’s – famed for its oysters, sole and champagne – has been described as the go-to destination for celebrities “who want to be seen”.

Chef Nigella Lawson and her ex-husband, the media mogul Charles Saatchi, were regular diners at the institution – which is also where he was photographed holding her by the throat. She moved out of their home soon after.

Other clientele include singer Sir Rod Stewart, X Factor judge Simon Cowell, disgraced businessman Sir Philip Green, comedian James Cordon, Hollywood directors Steven Spielberg and Ridley Scott and actors Michael Fassbender and Kate Beckinsale.

Scott’s is among the oldest restaurants in London, having originally opened as an oyster warehouse in 1851 before moving to its current site in 1967 where it has evolved into a sought-after hotspot serving market-fresh fish, seafood and caviar.

Its new branch is planned for a site on Whittaker Avenue, close to Richmond’s old town hall.

However, the planning application details major changes to the building, including creating a large glass canopy, which would allow diners to eat in comfort at all times of the year while enjoying the view of the river and the historic Richmond Bridge.

There are also plans for canopies over the windows at ground floor level.

A spokesperson for Caprice Holdings, the parent company of the restaurant, declined to comment.