AN ICONIC restaurant dubbed a “magnet for celebs” is set to shut in just hours after losing its Michelin star.
After 24 years, the original Hakkasan on Hanway Place in London will “bid farewell with its final service” tomorrow.
It was the first Chinese restaurant to receive a Michelin star in the UK guide in 2003 and retained it for 19 years.
Many celebrity guests have dined in Hakkasan restaurants such as Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears, and Naomi Campbell.
It upholds a strict dress code instructing “no hoods worn up, casual sportswear of any style or brand, tracksuits, running shorts, running trainers, hats or flip flops.”
The Hanway Place restaurant, opened by Alan Yau in 2001, seats over 200 people.
Conceived by Christian Liaigre, Hakkasan Hanway Place follows a “unique design philosophy” shared with other Hakkasan restaurants around the world.
It boasts a “dramatic” design more akin to a nightclub than a traditional restaurant.
With dim lighting and dining areas separated by dark wood screens.
Guests are invited to enjoy a “modern Cantonese cuisine” and can choose from a variety of signature dishes.
Each of which made by a “talented chef” and created exclusively for each restaurant location.
But despite such a flair for opulence, both Hakkasan Hanway Place and Hakkasan Mayfair lost their Michelin stars in the 2024 Michelin Guide.
Following the loss, a Hakkasan spokesperson revealed news of Hanway Place’s shock closure.
They said: “After 24 years of culinary excellence and unparalleled service, the original Hakkasan on Hanway Place will bid farewell with its final service on Friday, February 28th.
“Fortunately, our cherished guests can continue to savour signature dishes — such as our iconic Peking Duck with Caviar — at eleven locations worldwide, including our flagship Mayfair London restaurant near Berkeley Square.”
Hakkasan Mayfair will become the last UK franchise.
However, other branches can be found in cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Shanghai and Las Vegas.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans