The calibre of landlords is changing as well, certainly in Greater London. A generation of more benevolent, community-oriented freeholders have handed down to their sons who are less inclined to share their view of people as well as (not before, but at least ‘as well as’) profit. They lean on restaurant lessees knowing the capital involved setting up elsewhere makes a move prohibitive and a puny margin is whittled down further still.
There is no money left in making meals for people (NI, fuel costs, VAT) so only the bland chains survive (and you can count Ramsay in that), and the last of those who do it for the pleasure, and they won’t be replaced.
The calibre of landlords is changing as well, certainly in Greater London. A generation of more benevolent, community-oriented freeholders have handed down to their sons who are less inclined to share their view of people as well as (not before, but at least ‘as well as’) profit. They lean on restaurant lessees knowing the capital involved setting up elsewhere makes a move prohibitive and a puny margin is whittled down further still.
There is no money left in making meals for people (NI, fuel costs, VAT) so only the bland chains survive (and you can count Ramsay in that), and the last of those who do it for the pleasure, and they won’t be replaced.
A very sad thought. Although I have seen promising new openings this year.