Gordon Ramsay’s grip on London restaurant scene stifling, says Harden’s

Gordon Ramsay’s grip on the popular imagination is in danger of “stifling” the London restaurant scene, claims eating out guide Harden’s.

Five of Ramsay’s restaurants were named in the top 10 gastronomic experiences listing in the new edition of the London guide.

He was also voted the capital’s top chef, for the 11th year running.

“It is no criticism of Gordon to say that for one man, or brand, to achieve such dominance over London’s top-end restaurant scene risks becoming stifling,” said guide co-editor Richard Harden.

Bruce Poole garnered plenty of plaudits, coming second in the chef rankings and second in the top gastronomic experience listing with his restaurant Chez Bruce in Wandsworth.

Rising star Morgan Meunier of Morgan M restaurant in Islington placed third in the chef category.

But it wasn’t all good news. Oxo Tower took the title of most disappointing restaurant, while second place went to the world famous Ivy in Covent Garden, which was described as being “ever more at risk of slipping from classic to cliché status”.

Cipriani restaurant in Mayfair received the biggest tongue-lashing from the Harden's, coming sixth in the most disappointing experience cooking and second in the most overpriced ranking.

Harden’s called it “a vulgar Euro-trash trattoria with rip-off prices and surly service”.

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By Tom Vaughan

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