British celebrity chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay have quit Hong Kong, following the footsteps of compatriot Jamie Oliver last month.
Three of his restaurants – Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, London House and Maze Grill – will shut today, April 1. These eateries are currently operated by his Hong Kong partner, Dining Concepts.
However, an official statement about the closures did not refer to the status of his Hong Kong International Airport branch Gordon Ramsay Plane Food To Go, which opened last year in partnership with SSP Group.
In the UK, Gordon Ramsay will close 16 of his outlets, but these are described as temporary closures relating to government lockdowns and have caused the suspension of more than 500 jobs.
Hong Kong has introduced regulations requiring restaurants to place tables 1.5 meters apart and set a limit of four diners per table, with stringent enforcement. This week, Chinese restaurant operator Tao Heung shuttered 48 of its venues as a result of the new health-and-safety measures.
In other news, American luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co has closed its 4000sqft store at 1881 Heritage in Tsim Sha Tsui permanently. With retail sales affected by last year’s social unrest and the advent of the pandemic this year, the company decided not to release its lease at the premium shopping destination. The retailer still has 11 stores remaining in the city.