Le Gavroche to close!

[21TonyK]

Didn't see that coming!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-66553...

[isaldiri]

That's a real shame, always had an excellent time whenever I had went.

[towser]

I've been lucky enough to eat there on a few occassions, service and food were always perfect and it never felt stuffy despite it's reputation.

Shame there's no upcoming Roux family to take over the reins.

Edited by towser on Saturday 19th August 12:52

[LunarOne]

Yes, a bit of a shocker. I was supposed to go with friends three or four years ago but I couldn't due to illness. I was planning on going for my 50th birthday in September next year - I suppose I shall try for my 49th instead!

[Cotty]

Unusual situation but he came and cooked at the company I worked for. Willis Towers Watson building opposite Lloyds of London has a staff resturant on the 15th floor, the kitchens, food stations, cafe and dining area is the entire floor, there is also an outside seating area on the 16th floor terrace.
He designed a menu and showed our chefs how to cook and serve it. He then sat in the dining area signing copies of his latest book, I had him sign a book for someone.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

It was doomed from when Wetherspoons opened just down the road.

[Bonefish Blues]

towser said:

I've been lucky enough to eat there on a few occassions, service and food were always perfect and it never felt stuffy despite it's reputation.

Shame there's no upcoming Roux family to take over the reins.

Edited by towser on Saturday 19th August 12:52

He has a daughter who has her own restaurant, so presumably she doesn't want to take on the family restaurant.

This is hers
https://www.caractererestaurant.com/

[robsco]

Gutted, always wanted to eat there but have never managed to. Will make a last dash attempt to get in, but not counting my poulets.

[kevinon]

It's over 30 years since I ate there. (Roux Jr had just taken over from his Dad)
But it really opened my eyes / fired my tastebuds / set the bar

I was shocked when the waiters took the cloches off our plates at the same time; great theatre, the smell of the dishes was wonderful. It felt celebratory, not showy. (Salt Bae wker - I'm looking at you)

As a 'poor' guy in his 20's it was not intimidating; which is quite a trick to pull off, for a big Michelin restaurant.
And the sommelier, once I answered some questions on my likes, (buttery Meursault) suggested a better, much cheaper wine for our dishes. I thought that was a classy way to build confidence.

Happy memories, including taking my Mum there for lunch.

I admire him for putting family and relationships first. Big man.

[cliffords]

I had a poor meal there once and I told them on the day. They handled it very well not just money off bill type response but a proper chat with chef and other staff. They really were disappointed they had not pleased us. It was almost worth complaining just to see how they handled it. We are due to return in October.

[okgo]

Along with the above I can confirm that he’s also a really nice bloke - helped my small son up after he fell down in a park in Clapham (he lives here), and was very soft and open for a bit of a chat before getting back to his own grandkids/nephews whomever they were. Not in any way self important it seemed. Which is reassuring as he always came over well on TV.

Haven’t eaten here, went to Waterside Inn this year but may have to try and get in here before it goes.

[Scabutz]

Never been unfortunately. Wonder why its just closing. You would think he could find a chef to take on the kitchen and run under the same name. Gordon Ramsay has managed that for years with Royal Hospital Road

[number2]

After a few cancelled bookings during covid, we made it earlier this year.

Sat near the big man, and had the famous cheese soufle as part of the tasting menu.

It's part of the London furniture, an institution, and it's sad to see it close because of that.

[craigjm]

Scabutz said:

Never been unfortunately. Wonder why its just closing. You would think he could find a chef to take on the kitchen and run under the same name. Gordon Ramsay has managed that for years with Royal Hospital Road

I wonder that too. He is very hands on and that must be really intense. Great place and will be missed in the London scene

[cliffords]

craigjm said:

Scabutz said:

Never been unfortunately. Wonder why its just closing. You would think he could find a chef to take on the kitchen and run under the same name. Gordon Ramsay has managed that for years with Royal Hospital Road

I wonder that too. He is very hands on and that must be really intense. Great place and will be missed in the London scene

It's closing as the lease ends on the building and it's not to be renewed.

[21TonyK]

cliffords said:

craigjm said:

Scabutz said:

Never been unfortunately. Wonder why its just closing. You would think he could find a chef to take on the kitchen and run under the same name. Gordon Ramsay has managed that for years with Royal Hospital Road

I wonder that too. He is very hands on and that must be really intense. Great place and will be missed in the London scene

It's closing as the lease ends on the building and it's not to be renewed.

That explains it. Real shame.

[omniflow]

I've only been once, about 20 years ago. A supplier took a few of us there for lunch. As per protocol, only he had the menu with the prices on. The food was great, but the fun came with desert. Our host asked if anyone wanted any desert wine, so I said "Yes please - I'll have a Chateau Yquem". The response was something along the lines of "how did you know - that's £45 / bottle" (it was about 1995). My response was "No, that's £45 / glass", before I then said I didn't actually want any. Written down it sounds a bit wky, but it was extremely funny at the time. Great food and a great occasion, but like all good things it had to come to an end eventually.

[beambeam1]

omniflow said:

Written down it sounds a bit wky, but it was extremely funny at the time.

Not at all. It reads as you hoped to present it, I can imagine the occasion.

cliffords said:

I had a poor meal there once and I told them on the day. They handled it very well not just money off bill type response but a proper chat with chef and other staff. They really were disappointed they had not pleased us. It was almost worth complaining just to see how they handled it. We are due to return in October.

What was wrong with the meal?

[NomduJour]

Shame, the set lunch was great value - but it seemed to have lost its appeal whilst some other older places stayed relevant.

In less salubrious news, the India Club (which is great) on the Strand is finally going, too.

[Deranged Rover]

We went a few years back and the service was excellent and the meal very good indeed, although I still wouldn't say it was the best meal I've ever had.

Luckily, Michel Roux Jr. wasn't there that day. Meeting Monica Galetti at Mere had Mrs D.R. instantly turn into a giggling schoolgirl, and she thinks Michel is wonderful, so I dread to think what her reaction would have been!

Apparently there will be some farewell special nights featuring previous ex-Le Gavroche alumni. If Monica is doing one then I would give a hell of a lot to be able to get a table that night!