Gordon Ramsay to open Maze Grill in former Aubergine site
Gordon Ramsay Group is to turn the site of what used to be Aubergine in London into a Maze Grill.
It had been thought that the restaurant site at 11 Park Walk would be called simply "Park Walk", after news emerged last year that Ramsay had acquired the site that launched his career as a chef-restaurateur, and where he subsequently won his first brace of Michelin stars.
But in an announcement today the company said the 60-cover restaurant, set to open in April, would be inspired by the grill rooms of Manhattan and will take the Maze brand name.
It will offer the Maze concept's rare breed steaks, fish and poultry from the Josper grill, alongside sushi and sashimi from a raw bar.
The Gordon Ramsay Group has 25 restaurants around the world with a total of seven Michelin stars, including 13 sites in the UK. The new Maze Grill will take its name from Maze and Maze Grill, both located at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square hotel.
Maze was the restaurant that helped launch the career of Jason Atherton. He helped to open the restaurant alongside Gordon Ramsay in 2005, and was made chef-patron of the Maze group, taking it to six restaurants before he left the business in 2010.
Several of those restaurants have since closed, but Maze by Gordon Ramsay at 151 West 54th Street in New York remains.
Speaking about the decision to open a Maze Grill at 11 Park Walk, GRG managing director Stuart Gillies said: "11 Park Walk is steeped in history and we are very excited about returning there, but to be doing something different.
"Aubergine was a one-off restaurant and of its time. The new restaurant reflects an increasing demand for a casual yet quality dining experiences and we have identified a number of cosmopolitan neighbourhood locations for the maze Grill brand. We are delighted to be moving forward and evolving with a proven format."
