Håkan Swahn, who launched the original Aquavit in Manhattan back in 1987, tells Restaurant that his ambition is to relaunch Aquavit London under the management and ownership of the New York business.
It comes after the first iteration of Aquavit London, which launched in 2016, quietly closed its doors late last month, with the restaurant understood to be going through some kind of insolvency proceeding.
“Aquavit New York never had any ownership in the London entity nor any operational responsibility and was totally unaware in advance of the closing,” explains Swahn.
“Aquavit New York is the licensor of the Aquavit brand and today a creditor in the insolvency.
“Aquavit New York is today, after 36 years, more successful than ever and we regret that the UK extension of the brand closed so suddenly without our knowledge.
“Our ambition was and is now even stronger to re-establish Aquavit in London under our own ownership and management. That work will commence immediately.”
Swahn adds that no timeline has yet been established for relaunching the restaurant and no decisions have been made with regards to its location within the capital.
He has also expressed his regret at the sudden closure of Aquavit London, and the impact it will have on the restaurant’s staff.
“We are very sorry to see the hard-working staff lose their jobs on such a short notice. Their skills and hard work had nothing to do with the restaurant’s demise.”
Aquavit London launched with chef Henrik Ritzen, who previously led the kitchens at The Anglesea Arms in Hammersmith and Henry Harris’ French bistro Racine, at the helm.
The restaurant gained a Michelin star within 10 months. However, it subsequently lost it in 2021, although the restaurant did continue to be listed in the Guide.
Most recently, Aquavit was led by Jonas Karlsson, who previously held head chef roles at restaurants including 100 Wardour St; Heaton Butler and Baine; and Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Restaurant.
Aquavit New York has long been considered a pioneer of the New York dining scene and currently holds two Michelin stars.
