Michelin Guide-listed Mayfair restaurant closes amid ‘illegal working’ clampdown

The former Michelin Guide-listed Armenian restaurant Lusin in London’s Mayfair is understood to have closed after it was accused of hiring illegal workers.

The London Standard reported the owners of Lusin were fined £60,000 following a Home Office raid.

Lusin opened in November 2022 and claimed to be London’s first Armenian restaurant.

It served a range of high-end dishes created by Madam Anahid Doniguian, author of the Armenian cookbook Yepelou Arveste, including sujuc rolls (£18), manti (£29) and the centuries-old recipe Armenian gapama (£36).

The menu was also curated by chef Marcel Ravin of the two-Michelin-starred Blue Bay Marvel Ravin in Monaco, with desserts such as Lusin ice-cream and honey cake priced at £16.

Lusin was added to the Michelin Guide in June 2023.

The Caterer understands immigration enforcement officers held an intelligence-led visit to Lusin in September last year, which resulted in four individuals being arrested for working unlawfully, who were subsequently granted bail with reporting restrictions.

At the time of The Caterer’s visit to the restaurant (6 November), the site on Hay Hill was boarded up and advertised as a “fully fitted Class E unit to let”.

Lusin branding, including a lit-up menu, remained on the premises, with signs stating: “This property is controlled by live-in guard 24/7”.  

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are determined to clamp down both on illegal working and the exploitative treatment of illegal workers.

“Vulnerable individuals can find themselves trapped in unsafe and insecure conditions, facing exploitation and even modern-day slavery, often facilitated by organised criminal gangs.”

Lusin is owned by Saudi Arabian company Mira Foods, which also operated brands such as the Scaramouche in Riyadh.

Mira Foods has been contacted for comment.

Photography: The Caterer