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The Galvin brothers’ 12-year-old “classic French” restaurant Bistrot de Luxe, on Baker Street will close on 10 February, the operators have announced. In a joint statement, chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin explained their pride at what they call a “classic French restaurant” launching “an armada of copycats... in its wake.”
“It was ahead of its time, and now it’s time to move on,” they said. “We never wanted to water down the concept or the quality of food we have been proud to serve to a loyal clientele for 12 years. But in the world’s great cities things do not stand still. Tastes change and also, as creative chefs, we are restless and now want to do new things not just endlessly repeat the same style of cooking.”
The statement also said that news of “further openings of the Galvin Brothers concepts unveiled recently at The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences in Mayfair — their first foray in to British cuisine; the Green Man gastro pub concept and the urban restaurant brand HOP in Spitalfields,” will be forthcoming.
They also say that partnerships similar to the new restaurant for corporate hospitality at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club’s new stadium will be explored. Galvin at Windows on Park Lane, and Galvin La Chapelle in Spitalfields remain open.
On “the new chapter” Chris Galvin says he is excited by the company’s opportunity to explore new concepts.
“There are so many stimulating developments in restaurants around the world. We will not copy anything but we will take inspirations and develop new concepts in our own way and will launch a new concept for each of the next five years. I am really excited and positive about this change and looking forward to what we can develop now that we will have the time to consider and be open to new ideas.”
The pair has confirmed that all Bistrot de Luxe staff will be repositioned throughout the group and there will be no loss of employment. The Galvins will also expand its overseas operations, having recently and “successfully” launched in Dubai with Galvin Dubai and Demoiselle Dubai. The brothers say “more is planned for 2018.”