It's been on the cards for a while (and we had this down as one of our 2013 predictions) - but the news broke today (in the Standard) that Gordon Ramsay is finally exiting Claridges.
His tenure there had been given short extensions in recent years, but rumours persisted on an eventual closure. But now we know that Gordon Ramsay at Claridges will be serving its final meal on June 30. A spokesman from his firm said: "We'd like to thank all our guests for the amazing support they have given for over a decade but felt the time was right to move on to new opportunities and investments.
What's particularly interesting is the next sentence: "The group continues to grow from strength to strength and as well as the opening of Union Street Cafe, in September, we are considering sites in Mayfair." That's the first we've heard of another new Ramsay restaurant in London, besides Union Street. And certainly that upcoming venture with David Beckham should be consolation to Ramsay too.
Meanwhile, Thomas Kochs, General Manager at Claridge’s, said: "We thank Gordon and his team for the incredible dedication they have shown in making the restaurant such a success, it has undoubtedly made an important contribution to Claridge’s gastronomic history."
Now, of course, the speculation will dramatically increase as to who will be taking on the restaurant after Gordon shuts the door. Claridges has been getting a lot of attention recently, particularly after the great BBC series before Christmas, so it'll be one of the biggest openings of the year. We hear that some very big name chefs indeed have been in the running - but have yet to get confirmation on who will be taking over. But rest assured, we'll let you know the very minute we hear anything.
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