Last year I was chair of the judges for The London Restaurant Awards. I remember looking round Grosvenor House Ballroom – that inevitable venue – at the end of the awards evening and seeing too many disappointed faces of short-listed chefs who had not won and who furthermore had paid a good deal of hard-earned money for a seat at the interminable dinner. I thought then, there must be a better way of celebrating London’s astonishingly wide and interesting array of restaurants than this. I thought about London Fashion Week and the support it received not only in terms of press but also occasions like the reception given in Downing Street. Chefs and restaurateurs should receive as much recognition as designers of clothes. Both industries employ many people and contribute to the economy as well as to the gaiety of the nation.

I suggested to Simon Davis, my partner in our consultancy A Private View that we should take Tim Etchells of Single Market Events (who run London Fashion Week) out to lunch to discuss a London Restaurant Festival that would be a city-wide joyful and beneficial celebration of the restaurant business. One small meal (at The Club at The Ivy in case you are interested) has gathered pace and impetus and the support of many including the Mayor’s office – Boris looks as though he enjoys a good meal – Visit London, and Growing Spaces. This is the start of something that should grow bigger and more agreeably boisterous year on year.

Posted in News on March 25th, 2009 by Fay Maschler |