For those hoping to experience the unheard-of pleasure of dining for free at a top restaurant, your chance is over.
Due to a dispute over its trading licence, Scott’s, one of London’s top seafood restaurants, had not been charging diners for meals since re-opening on 5 December.
The dispute, in which a resident above the Mayfair restaurant complained that noise levels in the newly-refurbished eatery were above-normal, delayed the arrival of the trading licence.
Restaurant manager Matthew Hobbs decided to open on time, despite being legally unable to charge patrons for their meals and wine.
A lobster thermidor costs just under £30 and the extensive wine list boasts the £375-a-bottle Le Montrachet Grand Cru, Domaine Boillot 2004.
The argument has been resolved, however, and Scott’s, part Caprice holdings which includes Le Caprice and The Ivv, has started charging diners again.
‘Come in for lunch and we’ll be delighted to charge you,’ Hobbs said.
Estimates put the loss to Scott’s at around £350,000.
Written by Oliver Styles
