Le Gavroche on shortlist to run Claridge's restaurant
Two-Michelin-starred London restaurant Le Gavroche could move to Claridge's under plans being drawn up by the hotel's owner, the Savoy Group, to bring in an outside operator.
Le Gavroche is one of four on the group's shortlist to run the 100-seat restaurant. At least one overseas restaurateur is believed to be in the running.
Geraldine McKenna, director of marketing at the Savoy Group said an announcement of the chosen restaurant will be made in the next four to six weeks.
"We have invested £50m in Claridge's over the past couple of years and we wanted to do something with the restaurant," she said.
The operator would take over the main restaurant at Claridge's during the first quarter of 2001.
The hotel would still use the restaurant to serve breakfast for its guests, as is the case at La Tante Claire in the Berkeley hotel.
Claridge's restaurant, which has two AA rosettes, is currently overseen by head chef John Williams.
"Claridge's has lots of private dining rooms and a huge banqueting operation that equals the dining room. John will remain an integral part of the operation," said McKenna.
Le Gavroche chef-proprietor Michel Roux confirmed he and his family were considering the proposition, adding: "I would be a fool not to."