Restaurant at St Pauls reopens following anti-capitalist demonstration

The Restaurant at St Paul's has reopened today following a two-week closure brought about by anti-capitalist protesters and their makeshift "tent city" at the foot of the steps to St Paul's Cathedral.

Nathan Jones, director of contract caterer Harbour & Jones, which operates the restaurant, expressed relief at the reopening.

"Local businesses and the people employed within them are the ones who have suffered at the hands of these protesters, so it's important to us that we get back to a 'business as usual' service in our restaurant and café as quickly as possible," he said.

Around 90% of the 30-strong team employed at St Paul's were moved to other Harbour & Jones sites to ensure they could continue to work. Perishable goods were also reassigned to neighbouring H&J operations, which helped to cut down the cost of unplanned food waste.

But cancelled event bookings and lost retail revenue cost the restaurant and café £10,000 in October alone.

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By Janie Stamford

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