Business as usual for London restaurants

26/08/2009 16:49:52

Though the recession continues to grip the UK, it appears to be 'business as usual' for many London restaurants.

Recent figures from the 19th edition of Harden's London Restaurants revealed that openings were up nine per cent year-on-year in the capital, which could prove to be good news for catering recruitment.

The figures also showed that the closure rate was its lowest since 2000 – just 64 in total across the capital.

Peter Harden, co-publisher of the guide, said: "Everyone, including us, thought that London's restaurants were in for a bloodbath in 2009. Well, it just didn't happen."

The rate of London restaurant closures was expected by many commentators to be much higher due to the impact of the recession.

Recent data from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker, from Peach Factory in partnership with KPMG, UBS bank and Coffer Group, also showed that major pub and restaurant chains saw improved sales in July.

Sales among the 13 operators sampled were up one per cent on the same period last year.

Restaurant jobs in London

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