'The business is unviable at its current location': Indian Accent Mayfair won't reopen after lockdown is lifted

Mayfair restaurant Indian Accent is the latest casualty in the restaurant world in a week of many, having announced that it wouldn't reopen after the lockdown on restaurants is lifted. 

The restaurant, which opened in 2017 with chef Manish Mehrotra at the helm, and has been lauded by critics, has two sister establishments in New York and New Dehli, which will reopen as planned. 

A statement on its website reads: "IRL, the company which licensed brand Indian Accent in London is deeply saddened to announce its permanent closure.

"This difficult decision was made as a last resort after carefully considering all the factors in play as a direct result of COVID-19. Social distancing would reduce the restaurant capacity to just 30 covers. This combined with the significant fixed costs as a result of operating on one of the most expensive streets in the world and the general economic uncertainty in the UK, means that the business is unviable at its current location.

"A huge thank you to all our guests for their love and support and to the incredibly talented and dedicated London team whom we shall miss. Chef Manish Mehrotra and the rest of the team hope to bring Indian Accent to London at a larger location at some point in the future.

"Indian Accent in New Delhi and New York are getting ready to safely reopen in compliance with local guidelines and are not affected by this independent decision taken by the London company.

"Please email QueriesLondon@gmail.com for any further information."