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last mo.

Michel Roux Jr. Warns of UK Restaurant Industry Crisis as Closures Loom

The renowned chef highlights financial pressures threatening both fine dining and local eateries, calling it a pivotal moment for Britain’s culinary identity.

Michel Roux, 64: “I’m not one of life’s optimists. I think of myself as a realist”
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Overview

  • Michel Roux Jr. has warned of an impending wave of restaurant closures across the UK, citing economic pressures such as inflation and surging energy costs.
  • The chef emphasized that the loss of local eateries could erode Britain's cultural and culinary identity, describing the situation as 'dire.'
  • Roux closed his iconic two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Gavroche, in January 2024, marking the end of an era for the establishment founded in 1967 by his father, Albert Roux.
  • Gordon Ramsay has secured a 15-year lease on the former Le Gavroche site, with plans to relaunch the space under his restaurant group later this year.
  • Major hospitality chains, including Wetherspoons, Frankie & Benny’s, and Papa John’s, are downsizing or restructuring, reflecting sector-wide struggles post-pandemic.