In 2006, Gordon Ramsay, the notoriously vulgar Scottish chef and television personality, opened a restaurant titled Gordon Ramsay at The London. The restaurant was named for its location in The London Hotel and is complemented by a less expensive concept by Ramsay titled Maze. While Maze and The London Bar will be remaining open, Gordon Ramsay at The London will be closing on Oct. 11, 2014, according to the New York Daily News. However, the reason for the restaurant’s closing might surprise you, and is also noteworthy to those in an Austin culinary arts program.
The hotel has decided to cease the venture after finding that many lodgers were looking for a more casual dining experience. Ramsay himself has not been involved with the establishment since he sold it to the hotel in 2009.
A short and controversial run
In 2008, Gordon Ramsay at The London earned two Michelin stars, making it one of the few restaurants debuting in the Michelin Guide to do so. At the time, awarding these accolades to the restaurant went against many of the judgments of local critics such as Frank Bruni and Alan Richman, according to Eater. Ramsay had invested a hefty sum of his own money in the establishment, but among financial troubles in 2009, sold the rights to his name and share of his concept to the hotel. In 2013, while Ramsay’s restaurant in the city of London retained its three Michelin?-star rating, the two stars from his namesake at the London Hotel were revoked. Part of the reason for this is likely that the chef no longer had any real affiliation with the restaurant, other than dropping by every so often. However, according to Eater, the stars were taken away for issues of consistency both in quality of food and service.
Despite Ramsay not having a major role in the dining facilities, his reputation is suffering some damage due to the stars being revoked. Of course, the chef is trying to dissociate himself from a venture in which he was no longer involved. Ramsay is among several European chefs as of late who have thrown in the towel on NYC eateries, but between his other venues, the simultaneous loss of two Michelin stars and leading a busy celebrity lifestyle it’s no surprise his namesake at the London Hotel is no more.
