Gordon Ramsay: The pandemic has wiped the slate clean of "crap" restaurants

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Deputy Editor

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has spoken about the effects of the pandemic on the hospitality industry, saying that while the past two years have been "devastating," it had the positive effect of getting rid of the "s**tholes" taking restaurants' footfall in prime locations

The chef and restaurateur, whose Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London headed by chef patron Matt Abé currently holds three Michelin stars, spoke to The Radio Times ahead of his upcoming BBC One programme, 'Future Food Stars', which will see him offer 12 contestants the opportunity of funding for their fledgling food business.

Gordon, who owns 18 Gordon Ramsay restaurants in London alone, said that while the pandemic was devastating for the restaurant industry, it had the advantage of getting rid of the "s**tholes" in prime locations taking the footfall. As a result he said, "the crap's gone," and restaurants have been forced to “raise their game”.

In his interview with former shadow chancellor Ed Balls, asked if business was returning to the hospitality industry, he said: “The business was on its knees, but it’s getting better. It’s been devastating the last two years. Landlords don’t say, ‘Take a holiday for two years’. But I think what has been evident for all of us is the crap’s gone.”

Asked whether he was thinking of any particular chains, he added: “Well, just in a prime position and taking advantage because they’re in a great location, and they’ve got the footfall. But now we’ve wiped the slate clean, which is good.

"Customers have got so much smarter in the last two years. They know a lot more about food than they ever have done and have been making their own sourdough, so it’s taught everyone to raise their game. It’s wiped the arrogance from the industry.”

Gordon Ramsay Net Worth and Business

As of 2023 Gordon Ramsay's net worth is estimated to be £610M, with him reportedly taking home £90M each year.

Gordon Ramsay is one of the world's richest and most well known chefs.

In total Gordon Ramsay owns 58 restaurants worldwide, with 18 Gordon Ramsay restaurants London and 17 in the USA, France, Dubai and Singapore.

As well as taking in money from his restaurants, he enjoys a career as one of Britain's top celebrity chefs.

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