Gordon Ramsay Group to open Maze Grill on Aubergine site
The restaurant in Chelsea where Ramsay kick-started his career as a chef and won his first Michelin star almost 22 years ago will re-open as Maze Grill Park Walk in April, serving Maze's signature rare breed steaks, poultry and fish prepared on a Josper grill.
GRG managing director Stuart Gillies said the company had decided to launch a second Maze Grill in the capital due to an 'increasing demand for a casual, yet quality dining experience' and that it was also looking for more sites for the brand.
He said: “11 Park Walk is steeped in history and we are very excited about returning there, but to be doing something different. Aubergine was a one-off restaurant and of its time. The new restaurant reflects an increasing demand for a casual yet quality dining experiences and we have identified a number of cosmopolitan neighbourhood locations for the Maze Grill brand.
"We are delighted to be moving forward and evolving with a proven format.”
The 60-cover Maze Grill Park Walk, which like its Mayfair sister will also serve sushi and sashimi from a dedicated raw bar, will be GRG's fourth opening in 18 months and will take the restaurant group's UK portfolio to 13.
Aubergine, opened by A-Z Restaurants in 1993, hired Ramsay as its head chef who went on to win it a Michelin star in 1995. The chef left in 1998 following a dispute over contracts and the dismissal of Marcus Wareing, who had been employed at sister restaurant l'Oranger.
The site was later run as Italian restaurant 11 Park Walk by London Fine Dining Group, part of A-Z Restaurants.
