Johnson floored by Belgo role reversal

Courting the TV crews to drum up publicity for your business can be a two-edged sword, as Belgo boss Luke Johnson discovered while appearing on BBC2's Back to the Floor series last week.

Johnson - seen working as a waiter, in the kitchens, and dealing with the restive crowds queuing for tables in a restaurant said to serve more people each week than any other in London - told viewers he had taken part for the publicity.

But after being cornered by chefs demanding better packages to overcome shortages in what they described as "one of the hardest kitchens in London", Johnson stalked out temporarily, declaring, "I made a mistake."

"Was it worthwhile? I don't know," said chief executive Andy Bassadone. "I am neutral about that." He said the programme's concentration on a minority of staff disgruntled over pay and conditions was "wildly predictable" and "a cheap shot by the BBC".

"Everybody likes to take a pot shot at Luke, because he is rich," added Bassadone. "But he got stuck in."

During his 10-minute break after six hours of waiting tables, Johnson reflected: "It reminds you how privileged you are to not have to do a physically demanding job - long hours, tough, arduous work, hot conditions."

But he said the experience had given him a greater understanding of a business he described earlier as having the "unique atmosphere of a restaurant on the edge of chaos, but at the same time it works brilliantly and is a huge success".

Following the programme Belgo has hired six extra chefs, expanded the bar area where guests wait for tables, and issued headsets to improve communications among reception staff.

by Angela Frewin