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Here’s What Happened in the London Restaurant World Last Week

Michelin delivered its usual chaos, and lockdown rumours raised uncertainty

Michelin’s live revelation included some live and other pre-recorded interviews with the winning chefs like A. Wong’s Andrew Wong, Story’s Tom Sellers, and Da Terra’s Rafael Cagali — all three restaurants went from one-Michelin-star status to two-Michelin-starred status at the 2021 guide to Great Britain and Ireland, hosted by Davina McCall in London
Michelin’s live revelation included some live and other pre-recorded interviews with the winning chefs
Michelin/Revelation 2021

The latest coronavirus lockdown’s end date in England remains up in the air, but rumours of reopening timelines and measures are beginning to bubble up, leaving the capital’s restaurants in even more uncertain times. Meanwhile, Michelin drops its stars for 2021.




  • The week also began with a by-now-familiar pattern of leaks on when the coronavirus lockdown will end in England — and therefore, when restaurants can consider a reopening timeline. The expectation is that things will begin with social distancing and restrictions on household mixing, which is unsurprising. What’s more doubtful is whether or not financial support, which is set to diminish at the end of March, will be available to get restaurants through to the alleged promised land of spring and summer.


  • One example of that is the current cut on the VAT rate from 20 percent to five percent, which is a real boon to restaurants’ finances. Given the Treasury keeps measures “under review,” having “no plans” to extend the cut is, in some ways, a non-event. But statements like that create fear and anxiety for businesses that are using it to stay afloat, and having it withdrawn just a month before trading — might — resume would be dreadful.




Dining guides for staying in this weekend...

Until next week, eat well and be safe.

Core by Clare Smyth

92 Kensington Park Road, , England W11 2PN 020 3937 5086 Visit Website

Hélène Darroze at the Connaught

16 Carlos Pl, London, Greater London W1K 2AL +44 20 7499 7070 Visit Website