The glitterati (Sup’p’er-models) of the restaurant world are taking us down the cat-walk (in a fashion), and adapting their run-way to a new season of consumers.

One that is having to tighten their corsets beyond the impossible cinch of our own 17th century Regency classes (Imagine that - thanks No. 10 & 11) and changing their offering to ensure a nation of diners are still able to squeeze into something more comfortable, in pursuit of filling tables. 

These disruptors are showcasing their skills and tastes in accessible dining spots across the Capital - and in some cases across the UK.

So, let’s explore the ‘Restaurant Houses’, fashionably leading the way in cutting their cloth to suit (get it!)  Appealing to an audience with smaller pockets (big pockets were so last year!) but not wanting to compromise on taste, banging flavours still need to deliver!

First to cross the fine dining to high street pass is:

 Phil Howard of Elystan Street / Kitchen W8

Notto Pasta Bars 

Two London outlets, with plans to roll out more.

‘Fresh Seasonal dishes, beautifully executed’ (Watch our exclusive interview with Phil HERE )

Average pasta dish £16 & 3 course set menu £19.50

Gordon Ramsay - Restaurant Gordon Ramsay / Petrus & Restaurant 1890 by GR

Street Burger & Street Pizza

Ten Burger outlets across the UK, with six in London

Eight Pizza outlets across the UK, with four in London

Average pizza price £20 (bottomless)       Average Burger price with fries £18​​​​​​​
Tom Kerridge - The Hand & Flowers / Kerridge’s Bar & Grill @ The Corinthia
Butchers Tap & Grill - His new Chelsea Pub  (Read more about Tom's new venture  HERE)

One outlet

Average Hot Dog price £16.50    Average Burger price £15

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And for a few of the industry's legends - there is proof that the vintage mega- brands  - (the Naomi Campbell’s & Claudia Schiffer’s of their day), can still adapt and re-shape to a more austere market and continue to trend.  For example…

Marco-Pierre White - Returning to London after 10 years and opening Mr White’s in October.

The company have said that:

'it is the ideal restaurant for the guest who wishes to enjoy easy and affordable dining'

• Equally Brasserie Blanc, sold to private equity group 'Alchemy Partners', (Raymond retains an interest)  are planning to open over 60 new locations in the UK by 2027!  
• Chefs Yotam Ottolenghi & Sami Tamimi of Nopi fame continue with their Ottolenghi restaurants and deli’s - expanding their local chain - with the latest opening in Hampstead last December. 

Shine a spot-light on our current hospitality sector and you uncover a wealth of elite cheffing talent in the UK that are harnessing the theme of delivering on better value.  Operationally, ingredients are cheaper, operational costs are lower and tables are turned faster - it’s an exciting space that allows these high street hitters to be creative in a different arena.  There is often a focus on one food type and this tends to be very scalable - such as pasta and pizza and this means quality can be maintained.

So, don’t waste time, kick off those Laboutin’s and jet-set into something more relaxed, more affordable but with just as much style, flavour and panache as ever and you won’t be disappointed.

No dressing down here - just a new waive of venues that are keeping it fresh, innovative, perfectly sourced, accessible and moving with the times….a legacy to behold from the most knowledgeable and experienced chefs in the country.

Find one near you, get suited and ‘velouted’ and tuck in!