Fire closes Michelin-starred Benares for two to four weeks

Celebrity chef Atul Kochhar's Michelin-starred Benares restaurant in London's Berkeley Square could be closed for up to a month following the outbreak of a fire over the weekend.

The fire broke out in ventilation system of Kolchhar's flagship restaurant's kitchen shortly before the lunchtime service on Saturday, causing it to close for the next two to four weeks as repairs are made.

The restaurant was due to offer a special discounted menu as part of the inaugural London Restaurant Festival, which is running from 8-13th October, but this now looks unlikely as it is not clear at this stage specifically how long the repairs will take.

Kolchhar apologised to customers for any inconvenience caused by the closure.

Kochhar plans to expand the Benares brand into the UAE with the opening of a restaurant in the Abu Dhabi Marriott hotel.

Michelin-starred Benares restaurant closed by fire >>

Atul Kochhar recipes >>

A giant leap for Atul Kochhar >>

By Rosie Birkett

E-mail your comments to Caterer News here.

If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.caterersearch.com/tabletalk

Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next restaurant job here with Caterersearch.com jobs