Upscale Belgravia trattoria Zafferano has closed down after more than 30 years, with a ‘notice of forfeiture’ posted in its window.
Zafferano was one of the capital’s hottest spots in its late-90s heyday under launch chef Giorgio Locatelli, setting a new standard for modern Italian cuisine. Despite losing some of its cachet after his departure it retained a loyal fan club, and has continued to win consistently high ratings in the annual Harden’s survey.
The forfeiture notice dated 18 May states that landlord Manor Holdings Limited has gained vacant possession by changing the locks at the property, on the corner of Lowndes Street and Halkin Arcade. There has been no public statement from Zafferano’s owners.
Another longstanding London restaurant, Chiswick bistro Le Vacherin, has shut its doors after more than 20 years on the edge of Acton Green.
A farewell message of its website reads: “What began in 2002 as a dream to bring authentic French hospitality and cuisine to Chiswick grew into something far greater than a restaurant. Le Vacherin became a place of celebration, friendship, romance, family gatherings, business lunches, anniversaries, birthdays, proposals, and countless cherished memories.
“We are deeply grateful to our owner, Donna Thompson-Smith, whose passion, dedication and unwavering belief in the restaurant helped shape its identity and guide it through many chapters. We thank our chefs, past and present, whose talent and commitment brought French cuisine to life on every plate, and every member of our front-of-house and kitchen teams who worked tirelessly to create memorable experiences for our guests.”
A more recent venue to have closed is Jason Atherton’s British brasserie Sael, which opened two years ago in St James’s Market, behind Piccadilly Circus. Jason has yet to make public his plans for the site and has reshuffled his London holdings extensively over the past couple of years – most recently with the opening of French bistro Chez Rose from chef Spencer Metzger on the former site of Little Social in Pollen Street, Mayfair.
Two offshoot venues from high-profile restaurants have also been shuttered recently: Bébé Bob in Soho’s Golden Square, a rotisserie chicken-and-Champagne spinoff from Bob Bob Ricard, and Morito in Hackney, a spinoff from Sam and Sam Clark’s Exmouth Market stalwart Moro. The original Morito, next door to Moro, remains open for business.
