Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, the 12-time recipient of three Michelin stars, will reopen in early March 2013 after a four week refurbishment. It is not only the interior that will be redesigned. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay will also reopen with Clare Smyth as the new standing Chef Patron in partnership with Gordon Ramsay.
Clare joined Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in 2002 as a Chef de Partie. Ramsay, known for nurturing a new generation of culinary talent, recognised Smyth’s dynamic creativity and potential and became her mentor. After working for 3 years, Clare left as senior sous chef with Gordon’s blessing to gain experience in other kitchens and to train with some of the world’s other celebrated chefs. Smyth rounded out her knowledge of French cuisine at Alain Ducasse’s Louis XV. Clare returned to the Ramsay fold in 2007 when she took the helm of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay as Head Chef, custodian and driving force.
Clare’s respect for the heritage of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is palpable. The menu reflects the evolution of London’s iconic restaurant with original Ramsay dishes standing side by side with the dishes of Clare’s own creation. Both Gordon and Clare are chefs driven by precision and finesse. Clare talks about Gordon’s food with as much enthusiasm as she describes her own, describing Ramsay’s Ravioli of Lobster, Langoustine and Salmon as “the perfect dish”.
The new chapter
Ramsay deciding the time is right to let Smyth shine in her own right and in recognition of her talent and energy channeled into Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, has given her a share of the business. Together, the new partners have invested in both the space and their team. A new chapter is about to begin.
Gordon Ramsay commented:
“I’m incredibly proud of Clare and what she has achieved. She is an amazingly talented chef and the time is right for her to build on this. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay will always be very special to me and Clare becoming Chef Patron is testament to my partnership with, and trust in, her.”
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay will retain its fine dining legacy but will modernise its guests’ experience. The theatre of the drink and cheese trolleys will remain and will be further enhanced by an opulent liquor library. Clare and Gordon have also created a chef experience table to celebrate its regular clients. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay regulars will have the opportunity to interact with the chefs and have a bespoke menu created for them.
Taking inspiration from the Art Deco décor, Gordon and Clare worked with Fabled Studio on the ambitious renovation. Luxurious materials will emphasize the mood of the restaurant’s different spaces. Smyth comments:
“The refurbishment is Gordon’s and my celebration of all that makes Restaurant Gordon Ramsay so special.”
As London’s longest running three Michelin beneficiary, the acclaimed Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is booked months in advance. Every guest, every day of the week is delivered the highest of standards. Clare remarks:
“I am hugely passionate about Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and delivering the best possible guest experience, everything we do has to be immaculate – food, wine, service. Furthermore, I am also hugely motivated in the continuation of our commitment to developing and nurturing the next generation of chefs and front of house”.
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