Tom Kerridge’s plans for London project The Rib Room fall through

Tom Kerridge, chef owner of the two Michelin starred The Hand and Flowers and the one starred the Coach, both in Marlow, has been left disappointed as plans to reopen the Rib Room restaurant at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower have been shelved.

Last year it was announced that the Michelin starred chef would reopen the Rib Room Bar and Restaurant off Sloanne Street as a standalone venture marking the chef’s first foray into London. However, in a statement from Tom’s PR, the chef expresses his frustration as Jumeirah Carlton Tower reopen the Rib Room this week without notifying Tom.

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The statement reads: “We are all hugely disappointed that this project is not working out as we wanted since we had exciting plans to create a dining experience that would have celebrated the heritage of the building. However, Jumeirah has made a decision to re-open the Rib Room this week without any notification and without the restaurant transferring management. The fact that there has been no sign of the planned refurbishment has left us in a very difficult position.”

The press statement went on to note that Tom no longer has anything to do with the reopening of the Rib Room despite his initial involvement which was late last year.

Speaking to The Evening Standard last year regarding the reopening Tom said: "We are thrilled and honoured to be opening in London at this landmark location in Knightsbridge and we will be revealing more details on our plans early next year.”

He continued: "The idea of coming to London is something we have been toying with for ages."

Last month it was announced that Tom would be opening The Butcher’s Tap in Marlow with Greene King this November with the intention of combining a butchers and public house in one. Last week his pub, The Coach, led by head chef Nick Beardshaw, was awarded a star in the Michelin Guide UK 2018.