A LEGENDARY restaurant that was the first of its kind to obtain three Michelin stars has quietly closed its popular London eatery.
All references to the branch seem to have been removed from the website and a subtle hint on the brand’s page also confirms the decision.
Café Lapérouse at the OWO in London‘s Whitehall has shut its doors after less than two years serving guests.
Situated in the central courtyard next to the iconic Raffles London, the restaurant previously offered space for 80 diners.
The fancy pavilion café opened in 2023 in the OWO, otherwise known as the historic Old War Office.
Hinting at the move, the OWO website states: “NEW CONCEPT A remarkable new dining destination is on its way to the Grand Courtyard.
“Until then, enjoy the exquisite restaurants and venues already awaiting you at The OWO.”
The website also has a new page that simply states: “A new dining outlet is coming soon.”
Listing the available dining options, the sister site to the first restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars back in 1933 is no longer advertised by the OWO.
The current options include Mauro Colagreco’s Chef’s Table, Saison, Kioku by Endo, Paper Moon, The Drawing Room, Pillar Kitchen, Langosteria and The Guards Bar.
For some of the list only hotel guests and residents have the option to book.
Café Lapérouse previously offered wines from £70 and mains up to £80.
Why celeb restaurants go bust
By Paul Lochhead - managing director of Drinkstuff
THE recent wave of celebrity chef restaurant closures can indeed be attributed to several factors, with the pandemic being a significant one.
The hospitality industry, particularly high-end restaurants, faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. Restrictions on dining, a shift to takeaways, and the need for social distancing significantly reduced footfall and revenue for these establishments.
However, the impact goes beyond the pandemic. High-end restaurants operate on a model that requires substantial overheads—premium locations, top-quality ingredients, and skilled staff.
With the economic uncertainty and a change in consumer behaviour post-pandemic, there’s been a shift in dining preferences. Many diners are now seeking more casual, value-driven experiences, which puts pressure on the viability of luxury dining.
Moreover, for celebrity chefs, these ventures are often passion projects rather than primary revenue sources.
If a restaurant isn’t performing well, it may not be worth the continued investment, especially when compared to the other income streams they have, such as media appearances, books, and endorsements.
It was one of nine restaurants planned for the building which was used by the British high command to prosecute their war against the Nazis.
The first Café Lapérouse opened in Paris in 2021 with the brand being controlled by the Moma Group.
A spokesperson for the company owners told The Standard: “Moma Group has decided not to continue operating Café Lapérouse London.
“This decision is part of a review of the group’s locations and brands, their local and international ambitions“
The outlet also reported that the site has served its last meal to guests.
Previously the restaurant received a one star hygiene rating from the Food Standards Agency but this was quickly upgraded to five after a reinspection.
Reviews seemed to vary across the board with Tatler offering a sparkling description.
The Spectator write up seemed less pleased, calling the moment “fascinating”.
Rayner also described the restaurant as “dismal” and “expensive”.
The Sun has approached the Moma Group for comment.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
