Chef Marcus Wareing and The Berkeley hotel in Knightsbridge have “mutually agreed” to end their 20 year partnership and close Michelin-starred restaurant Marcus this December.
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Wareing’s working relationship with the luxury hotel began when he was head chef of Gordon Ramsay’s Pétrus, housed within the hotel, in 2003. In 2008, after the departure of Gordon Ramsay Holdings, the restaurant was relaunched with Wareing’s name on the door.
It currently holds one Michelin star, having held two until the publication of the 2019 guide. The Michelin website notes that the restaurant possesses a “knowledgeable team” with “service paced to perfection”. The food is described by Michelin as “an inventory of the British larder”, with it mentioned that much is sourced from Wareing’s farm in Kent.
Dishes on head chef Craig Johnston’s £185 Menu Seven tasting menu include a raw Orkney scallop with lobster bisque, poached Cornish cod with smoked roe, dulse & samphire, and Galloway beef fillet accompanied by red pepper ketchup, polenta and bresaola.
The restaurant’s wine list has a French leaning, with a Brut non-vintage cuvée specially developed by Champagne Gosset for the restaurant costing £26.50 for a single glass, or £160 for a 75cl bottle.
However, despite the acclaim, it was revealed this morning (14 September) that Christmas would mark the end for the establishment.
A social media post from the restaurant shared that it would have its final service on 26 December this year:
We have some news…
After over 20 successful years of operating a restaurant at The Berkeley in Knightsbridge, @marcuswareing and the hotel have mutually agreed on a change of direction, and as such, Marcus will close its doors after final service on 26th December 2023. pic.twitter.com/1hztPEmesh
— Marcus (@MarcusBelgravia) September 14, 2023
The restaurant has not offered an indication of what this “new direction” will be yet, but mentioned that information would be revealed “soon”.
Toasting the two decades of the partnership, Wareing said: “…it’s now time for me to move on. I am not retiring quite yet, though – not at all. I’m ready for a new and exciting chapter to begin. I will update on our plans for 2024 in due course.”
Wareing also operated The Gilbert Scott at St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel from 2011 until he decided close it in 2021 at the conclusion of the 10 year lease.
This article was originally published by the drinks business and has been shared with permission.
