18/2/24 - updated with confirmation
The news well and truly broke over the weekend, and now it's been confirmed - Gordon Ramsay is indeed taking over what was Le Gavroche. The current head chef over at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Matt Abé (who has been at the restaurant for 16 years), will be leading the new opening.
Gordon himself confirmed that they've taken over the lease, saying "Le Gavroche holds some incredible memories from my early career. When I heard the property was going to be available, it felt like the right moment to support Matt and come full circle with a restaurant that I loved so much". Abé added, "This is a dream come true for me." It's being touted as a "solo venture" for Abé and given that the release says "Matt Abé will continue to consult for Gordon Ramsay Restaurants" we'd expect some distance between this and the rest of the GR portfolio.
Just what they'll do with the place is up in the air right now. It's the first time Gordon's backed a proper standalone restaurant in London (i.e. one not ripe for rollout) since the revamped Petrus back in 2010 (with Larry Jayasekara who now heads up The Cocochine).
Whatever happens, don't expect it to be called Le Gavroche, a name which is still owned by Roux. Instead, we're left wondering if we'll get something of an "Arlington" approach with a fully updated version of a much-loved space - after all, nostalgia sells. The food should be a big departure from Le Gavroche - but we think they should seriously consider bringing back the massive cheese trolley.
Expect many more details about the opening later in the year.
More about "Le Gavroche"
Where is it? 43 Upper Brook Street, London W1K 7QR
When does it open? Late 2025
Find out more: Visit their Gordon Ramsay Restaurants website or follow him on Instagram @gordongram.
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