Critics wanted to hate us, says Chiltern Firehouse chef Nuno Mendes

Critics wanted to hate us, says Chiltern Firehouse chef Nuno Mendes

Chef Nuno Mendes has slammed critics of Chiltern Firehouse, claiming they "wanted" to hate the Marylebone restaurant.

The venue, by hotelier André Balazs, opened last year to mixed reviews, but quickly became a firm favourite for celebrities, including David Beckham, Rita Ora, Cara Delevigne and even former US president Bill Clinton.

Mendes, who picked up a Michelin star for his last restaurant, Viajante, was interviewed by ES magazine.

He said: "It seems like there are people who had an agenda to come in and knock us or to say mean things … It was like, why do you want to hate us? But, whatever."

His comments come after Fernando Peire, star of Channel 4's short-lived series the Restaurant Inspector and director of the recently re-opened celeb haunt the Ivy, said that Chiltern Firehouse could "never in a million years" be like his Caprice Holdings-owned restaurant.

He told the Evening Standard: "It hasn't got the right location. You can't go to the Chiltern Firehouse for an after-theatre dinner. The Chiltern Firehouse has had a very glitzy launch, but that's it."

Are you looking for a new role? See all the current restaurant vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs >>

Chef Nuno Mendes to open new restaurant >>

Chiltern Firehouse gets 2/5 hygiene rating score >>

Menuwatch - Chiltern Firehouse >>

Latest video from The Caterer

The Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email

Start the working day with The Caterer’s free breakfast briefing email

Sign Up and manage your preferences below

Check mark icon
Thank you

You have successfully signed up for the Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email and will hear from us soon!

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.

close

Ad Blocker detected

We have noticed you are using an adblocker and – although we support freedom of choice – we would like to ask you to enable ads on our site. They are an important revenue source which supports free access of our website's content, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

trade tracker pixel tracking