Gordon Ramsay scotches closure rumours

Gordon Ramsay Holdings (GRH) has been forced to deny that two of its London eateries are to close their doors.

Rumours began circulating after the Devonshire gastropub, in Chiswick, and Knightsbridge private dining room Sloane Street appeared in the "for sale" section on the website of property agent Restaurant Property, on Wednesday (21 January), only to be removed hours later.

Despite being removed from the website, a number of media outlets reported that the pub and restaurant were for sale, prompting GRH to issue a statement denying it was closing Sloane Street or the Devonshire.

"The lease on the Sloane Street property (which is held by the Jumeirah hotel) expires at the end of this year, when it is unlikely to be renewed," GRH said.

"The site has been used as a private dining facility to accommodate Gordon Ramsay Holdings guests whilst The Savoy Grill and Petrus have been temporarily closed for refurbishment and relocation respectively, both these restaurants will re-open later this year. The Devonshire is not for sale and is trading as normal."

The sites' appearance on Restaurant Property was attributed to an administrative error but the mistake comes as GRH's finances are once again under close scrutiny.

Last year, the company was fined £1,500 by Companies House, and only just escaped prosecution, for filing 2006's accounts 16 months late. Companies House is now pursuing GRH's accounts for 2007 and the Ramsay could face prosecution for the delay.

The move follows the decision to close Chelsea bistro Foxtrot Oscar on Monday and Tuesday as well as a further two midweek evenings.

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By Tom Vaughan

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