In restaurant news this week: hospitality companies issue an eviction ultimatum to the government, new data reveals one in four licensed venues are yet to open, and Gordon Ramsay announces plans for a cookery school in Surrey.
Restaurants face ‘critical risk’ of eviction, open letter claims: 90 hospitality businesses have signed an open letter to the UK Prime Minister asking for further support and a targeted extension of the eviction ban. Signed by the bosses of businesses including Deliveroo, Itsu and Burger King, the letter warned that: “failure to extend and/or modify [the eviction moratorium] could severely hamper the restaurant sector’s recovery and lead to many permanent restaurant closures”. It added: “There is a critical risk that many restaurants will face eviction proceedings from 1 October.”
One in four licensed premises yet to reopen: Just over three-quarters (76.3%) of all licensed venues in Britain had reopened by the end of August, data from CGA and AlixPartners has shown. More then 15,500 sites reopened in August, a 14% rise compared to the previous month. The change was most marked in the food-led sector, with pubs and bars reopening at a slower rate. However, in central London, only 71.2% of licensed premises had reopened by the end of last month.
Gordon Ramsay to open cooking school: The Sun reports that chef Gordon Ramsay is set to open a cookery school in Woking, Surrey. The Gordon Ramsay Academy was initially scheduled for completion this year, but its opening has now been delayed to early 2021. The academy will offer cookery tuition to people of all ages, and will also help those who want to get into the hospitality industry. A spokesperson added: “Students will be offered the chance to complete their studies with a guaranteed job at the group. It’ll also help chefs, already in the industry, to improve their knowledge and skill set with advance courses.”
English hospitality outlets required by law to record contact details: Hospitality businesses are now required to collect customer contact details, and store them for 21 days, by law. Fixed penalties will be issued to venues that do not comply. While sites were previously advised to collect customer information, it was not required by law. The new regulations come into force today (18 September). Details should include the name, contact number, date of visit, arrival time and departure time if possible.
Matt Abé named co-chef patron of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay: In other Gordon Ramsay-related news, chef Matt Abé has been appointed co-chef patron of the restaurant group’s flagship site on Royal Hospital Road in Chelsea. Australia-born Abé has spent over a decade working for the Gordon Ramsay restaurant group.
Curfews in the north east affect almost 2,400 restaurants and pubs: Around 2,350 pubs and restaurants are to be affected by new curfew measures in the north east of England, according to data from real estate adviser Altus Group. A 10pm curfew on pubs, restaurants and bars will come into force today in Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham.
Openings:
Klosterhaus: Restaurant operator D&D has announced the name of its new Bristol site. Klosterhaus, which will open on 2 October, will be an all-day dining venue inspired by the mittel-European cafés. Housed in the 18th century grade 1 listed Quakers Friars building, the restaurant will be spread across two floors.
Hankies: Indian restaurant chain Hankies has relocated its third site to London’s Paddington after closing its Haymarket branch earlier this year as a result of Covid-19.
Bosporus: Turkish restaurant Bosporus is set to open in London’s Leicester Square on 24 September. The chain started out in Dubai and now has six sites across the country, as well as venues located in Abu Dhabi and Egypt.
Shaman: All-day dining venue Shaman has opened in Bermondsey’s Bermonds Locke development. Located within the co-working area of the site, it draws menu inspiration from southern French cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients from the UK.
Closures:
Manchester tapas restaurant co-owned by footballer’s family closes: Manchester Evening News reports that Tapeo and Wine, a restaurant co-owned by the father of Manchester United footballer Juan Mata, is to close. The restaurant shared news of its closure on social media after five years in business.
Temakinho: The Caterer reports that Brazilian-Japanese fusion chain Temakinho has closed its first UK restaurant located in London’s Soho. The Milan-based restaurant group opened its first London site in 2016. The chain also operates another eatery in the capital in the One Tower Bridge development.
