In a statement posted on Instagram the protesters from Animal Rebellion explained why at 6pm they sat at tables and held up mock menus detailing the environmental costs of items on the restaurant’s menu, including steak and veal.
It said: “This luxury restaurant epitomises the inequality we face in the UK right now, with more than two million people relying on food banks in a cost of living crisis. It also highlights denial of the severity of the climate crisis. Whilst the science is showing us that we must transition our food systems away from animal products, restaurants like this continue to make colossal profits off the exploitation of animals, workers and our climate. For society, climate and animals, we cannot afford to continue this way.”
Lucia Alexander, a 39-year-old auxiliary nurse from the east of England who took part in the action, told The Guardian: “While Gordon Ramsay serves food costing a minimum of £155 per person, more than 2 million people are relying on food banks in this cost of living crisis.
“Instead of restaurants making colossal profits at the expense of animals, workers, and our climate, we need to feed everyone by supporting farmers and fishing communities in a transition to a plant-based food system.
“A plant-based food system requires 75% less farmland to grow food, allowing us to feed millions of additional people without the reliance on exploitative and inefficient animal farming industries. This is the answer to the cost of living and climate crises.”
A spokesperson for Restaurant Gordon Ramsay said that reservations were cancelled and service was so disrupted that the restaurant had to close at 8pm.
The spokesperson added: “Everyone is entitled to their opinions and beliefs. However, to force your way into a restaurant, disturbing hard-working staff going about their jobs and ruining the evening of guests who have waited months for their reservations is incredibly inappropriate and deeply disrespectful.”
Many guests visiting the three Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay restaurant described their frustration and anger at having their experience ruined at the restaurant.
One Instagram user said: “Thank you for completely ruining our wedding anniversary last night. Booked 6 months ago and saved for a year to go there.”
Another added: “It’s not Gordon Ramsay’s fault that people are suffering. So this ridiculous thing you did was just a PR stunt.”
The group say ‘we need a dramatic shift in the UK’s food system’ and ‘we all need to take responsibility for that’.
Adding: “We will continue to highlight the inaction of governments, corporations, and restaurants like this, because we ALL have a part to play in the face of the climate crisis.”
Gordon Ramsay has or currently owns restaurants in Scotland, Dubai, the US, France, Japan, Canada, Ireland, Qatar, Australia, Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Czech Republic and South Africa.
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