Wareing to move Pétrus into Berkeley

Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing is set to move his London restaurant Pétrus into the Savoy Group's Berkeley hotel next year.

Wareing, the most successful protégé of the top British chef, Gordon Ramsay, will replace Pierre Koffmann's La Tante Claire restaurant when Koffmann's contract with the Savoy Group comes to an end.

The new restaurant will be called Pétrus by Marcus Wareing, a name-change that will address the common criticism that Ramsay himself is spreading his talents too thinly by opening a series of restaurants in Britain and abroad. "It makes sense for me to venture out on my own," Wareing said.

Nevertheless, Wareing's rest-aurant is expected to remain part of Gordon Ramsay Holdings.

Koffmann was told last Wednesday that the Savoy Group would not be renewing his contract and it is unclear what he will do next.

Wareing's coup at the Berkeley goes along with another deal with the Savoy Group for him to become consultant chef at the Savoy Grill. The Grill will close after Christmas for a refurbishment and reopen in the spring under the new regime. Wareing said he wanted to retain the spirit of the old Grill while bringing standards up to the 21st century.

The original Pétrus in St James Street will also remain as a restaurant within the Gordon Ramsay group, although because all current staff will move with Wareing to the Berkeley, it will become a different animal.

It is expected to become an upmarket brasserie, perhaps called Pétrus Grill.

Wareing regards the Berkeley as the ideal site for him to win three Michelin stars. He has been widely tipped to take his current one star to two in the next Michelin guide, to be published in January.

The Berkeley also confirmed this week that it would be looking at its Vong restaurant in the New Year. Jean-Georges Vongerichten will continue to run the site, but the restaurant will be refurbished and reopened in a new form.

by David Harris

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 7-13 November 2002