Gordon Ramsay Weighs In on Brexit — and More News

Gordon Ramsay has a predictably moderate opinion on Brexit

Speaking to The Radio Times, the infamously volatile chef said: “That level of influx of multinational workers in this country has sort of confirmed how lazy as a nation we are - when individuals from across the seas are prepared to come and work twice as hard for less money ... If anything, it’s a big kick up the arse for the industry, and it’s going to get back to the modern-day apprenticeship. So not only do I welcome that kind of change, but I think it’s going to put a lot more emphasis on homegrown talent, which I think we need to do.” No word yet on what the cosmopolitan staff at his many London outposts think of this latest conflagration.

HKK has closed its doors

As Eater London learned earlier today, the most experimental of the Hakkasan group’s portfolio is closed, with immediate effect. Citing expansion into other areas of the globe, the group’s statement implicitly suggested that the popular, innovative tasting menu kitchen was becoming too much of a financial burden to bear.

Gina Hopkins is leaving The Drapers Arms

Drapers Arms proprietor Nick Gibson has announced that the pub will lose Georgina Hopkins at the end of this month. Georgina brought her earthy, seasonal style to Drapers in 2014 after a stint at Brunswick House, and has presided over several instalments of Gibson's Glandstonbury offal fest, as well as winning the Scotch Egg Challenge three times in six years. The Drapers Arms has become an industry go-to for book launches, culinary events and charity extravaganzas — Gibson is a tireless fundraiser for Action Against Hunger — while demonstrating excellent staying power as a proper neighbourhood pub.

The Ivy creeps ever further

Richard Caring sows his seed on even wider terrain, as The Ivy Collection — just one of Caring’s vast collection of concepts — submits plans to expand from London into Hampshire, according to MCA.

The Orange Buffalo beds down for Autumn

After an itinerant existence roaming the capital with chicken wings, homemade hot sauce and, somewhat ingeniously, a milk ice lolly for those unable to handle the heat, Orange Buffalo will take up a residency at Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen. They will launch softly, to the tune of 50% off, from 11 - 25 October.