London eating in London has become more exclusive – not only because of food, but because of a table insurance price. An increasing number of high -end restaurants imposes reservation fees and requirements for the minimum spending, starting from 25 pounds to 100 pounds per person. This step is to respond to an increasing number of non -attendance, social media effects take advantage of free meals, and Bots Reselling Reselling Prime Time.
Treating “reservations” and not displaying
Restaurants such as Gymkhana, an Indian calling point from Michelin in Mayfair, have taken strict measures. Since November 2024, the restaurant has imposed a minimum £ 100 to spend for every dinner to reduce reservation violations. The restaurant stated that “large quantities of robots and reservation sites” were targeting their reservations, which makes the policy necessary to secure serious dinner meals.
Likewise, Hutong, who is in The Shad, requires guests to adhere to spending 80 pounds per person on Friday and Saturday, while ST James’s Chutney Mary set 60 pounds per person for dinner.
According to the MW Eat, the group behind Chutney Mary, the policy was implemented to prevent customers from dealing with advanced Indian cuisine as if they were unofficial ready -made meals, as groups require a few electrical current and wholesale on inexpensive aspects.
An expensive industry fights inflation
The hospitality sector in London is facing increasing financial pressure, including the highest wages, increased rents, and high food costs. according to Chris de SilvaThe owner of Dorian, starring Michelin in Notting Hill, was offered 25 pounds for each deposit for the stability of the sponsors for making multiple reservations across different places and appearing only in one.
He pointed to this practice in the name of “receiving the reservation” and explained that the lack of financial penalties made it easy for dinner to book the tables that had no intention of honoring.
D’Ilva also pointed out that import costs have risen. “The distinct components of Japan must now be transferred around Russia, which paid costs up,” he explained. In addition, he pointed out that many of his ordinary clients left the United Kingdom after the unnamed business tax campaign in the Labor Party, which contributed to the decrease in the fall of the foot.
The rise of influential culture and free meals requests
Restaurants are also declining Social media effects Those who try to eat for free in exchange for Instagram posts. D’Ilva has revealed that he often rejects “Collab” requests because influencers often demand the minimum view of a website.
Matt Taker, head of the TOCK international restaurant reservation platform, chanted similar concerns. He acknowledged that although the minimum spending is not always a welcome message, it has become a necessary response to “the culture of crazy influences.”
Fight robots and keep capital
Restaurants also wrestle with automatic robots that turn large book tables, making it difficult for indigenous dinner to secure reservation. Takar condemned this practice, describing “badly like influencers” robot programs. Some platforms, including Dorsia, and the application of a restaurant and night life reservation, apply the minimum requirements to all reservations, with fees ranging from 50 pounds to 150 pounds in London.
Hotels join the direction
The direction of reservation fees extended beyond restaurants and in high -end hotels. Guests at JEAN-EGORGES in Cunot face 50 pounds per person, if they just want to seek drinks or candy. Clardge belongs to the boss and read a similar policy. However, when he asked to comment, the Maybourne group, which has both places, refused to provide a statement.
A response from some restaurants
Not both restaurant owners on these policies. Thomas Mixley, Executive Director of Operations at Bob Bob Ricard, famous for “Press for Champagne”, revealed that the restaurant has canceled the minimum spending requirements. Menkeli explained that this policy is “incompatible with the economic climate today” and that the restaurant gives the priority of value and customer loyalty to punitive charges.
A necessary change or a dining barrier?
While the minimum spending requirements help restaurants secure revenues and avoid empty tables, they also raise questions about access. Critics argue that these fees risk playing potential customers who may not want to adhere to high spending just to secure a seat. Others see a necessary adaptation with a change industry.
With London’s food scene struggle with economic challenges, abuse of reservation, and social media culture, it remains to see whether more restaurants will adopt these measures – or whether customer reaction will force them to reconsider.