Acclaimed Chef Manish Mehrotra’s Indian Accent restaurant in London officially shuts its doors. This is because of the inability to operate under social distancing. The social distancing rules in London requires it to be a 30-seater. This makes it unviable for the business as its located in Mayfair. This is one of the most expensive streets in the world. Indian Accent’s London branch first opened in Mayfair in 2017. The coronavirus pandemic led to the shutdown of this renowned restaurant known for its modern Indian gastronomy. Indian Accent’s London branch has closed permanently. But its restaurants in New Delhi and New York City aren’t affected by this. And they are getting ready to reopen in compliance with the local guidelines.
Indian Accent In London Shut Down Permanently Due To COVID-19
Indian Accent opened by Chef Manish Mehrotra redefines Indian cuisine. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has led to the permanent closure of Indian Accent’s London branch. Its location in Mayfair makes it unfeasible for its operation under new guidelines. The restaurant chain’s official website made this announcement.
“IRL, the company which licensed the brand Indian Accent in London is deeply saddened to announce its permanent closure. This difficult decision was made as a last resort after carefully considering all the factors in play as a direct result of COVID-19. Social distancing would reduce the restaurant capacity to just 30 covers. This combined with the significant fixed costs as a result of operating on one of the most expensive streets in the world and the general economic uncertainty in the UK means that the business is unviable at its current location,” the announcement reads.
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Indian Accent’s Branches In New Delhi & New York City Get Ready To Reopen With Social Distancing Measures In Place
However, it further clarifies that Indian Accent’s branches in New Delhi and New York City are not affected by the independent decisions taken by the London restaurant. The two branches are getting ready to safely reopen following local guidelines and social distancing rules. Restaurants around the world are now attempting to get the new social distancing rules right.
The London branch of Indian Accent opened after its establishment and success at Lodhi Road in New Delhi and 123 West, 56th Street, New York City. The restaurant opened its third chain in Mayfair, London in 2017. The menu comprised of delicious exotic Indian dishes. This includes dishes like rich Pumpkin Soup with Blue Cheese Naan and Ghee-Roast Lamb with Roomali Roti to name a few.
Chef Mehrotra States Its Unviable To Maintain London Branch With Only 30 Seats
Chef Manish Mehrotra puts on a brave face and states to media houses “It is unfortunate that unprecedented circumstances around the world have led to the closure of Indian Accent London. The current social distancing norms have made it a 30-seater, which, with the enormous fixed costs in Mayfair makes the business unviable. It is sad to see that so many great restaurants in London and across the world are having to close.”
He adds “We hope that restaurants are able to get through this and return even stronger after this crisis. We’d like to thank all our guests for their warmth and support and our team for their dedication and contributions to making the restaurant so special. We are working on preparing Indian Accent New Delhi and New York for a safe re-opening soon. And we will miss being a part of the exciting dining culture in London. We hope to make it back in London, bigger and better, once we put this crisis behind us.” Post lock down the future of eating out in India would also change drastically.
Coronavirus Pandemic Has Also Led To Shut Down Of Other Renowned Restaurants In London
Indian Accent is unfortunately not the only restaurant in London to shut down at the hands of COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier, Michelin-starred The Ledbury in Noting Hill and A-List restaurant Le Caprice in St James also closed permanently due to their inability to cater to the current scenario and meet all the new demands thereof. However, reportedly former remains closed permanently as the one-metre social distancing rules can’t be implemented. And the latter will reopen at a new location post lockdown. On a similar note, studies say 1 out of 4 restaurants may never reopen post lockdown.