6th January 2024

I ordered Michel Roux’s book Le Gavroche before Christmas which finally arrived today.  I was really excited to get into it and so sat with a coffee reading for some time.  There are so many French classics in there that I know I will learn a lot.   

Le Gavroche is set to close this month after 56 years in business.  Really sadly, we were unable to book once the announcement was made and have been unable to book any of the special events running, they were all fully booked and over subscribed within an hour of the email popping into my inbox.  It is one of the most iconic restaurants in the UK and I a really sad we did not get to eat there.  Hopefully this month there will be a few events before the doors close and I hope to be quicker off of the mark. 

The sheer number of restaurants closing in the UK in recent months (and most especially since Christmas) is extremely sad and a very worrying trend.  There are calls on the government to help the hospitality industry which has really suffered since the pandemic but, so far, those pleads have gone unanswered. Let’s hope something changes this year, for all of us.