London Restaurants Opening and Closing at a Record Pace

London Restaurants Opening and Closing at a Record Pace - Bloomberg: "More London restaurants opened than closed during a flurry of activity in the industry in the past year, according to a survey by Harden's London Restaurants.

There were 200 new establishments — the most in the 26 years the dining guide has been conducting its survey, which covers the 12 months to September. Closures jumped to 76 from 56.

"The large number of new London restaurants this year really reflects the optimism and state of the economy last year," said Des Gunewardena, chairman and chief executive of D&D London. The group owns more than 25 London bars and restaurants, including German Gymnasium, which opened a year ago. "

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Improving the wine list with stock from a guest wine enthusiast

An idea that an enterprising Australian restaurant or two should follow - a guest wine enthusiast

Blandford Comptoir, London — FT.com:

"Over the years Rousset has learnt one aspect of life in wine in the UK that he has put to very good use: that many of his customers have amassed far more wine than they can possibly drink and are more than happy to find a good home for it. On the last page of the latest Rousset wine list, therefore, is a section headed “Guest Enthusiast”. When we visited, this referred to wines obtained from Colin Wynter QC, described as “an avid collector, a fast talker and a long supporter of Xavier’s ventures”. It listed five mature red Burgundies and one mature red Bordeaux — wines that are out of reach for most restaurateurs — at very fair prices."



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