Gordon joins the chain gang

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Posted at 11:10AM, 07 February 2008 by Andrea McGinniss - Acting editor, bbcgoodfood.com

Every time Gordon Ramsay dons his cape to save the day the for yet another struggling restaurateur in Ramsay's Kichen Nightmares, one piece of advice continually crops up: keep it simple. Overlong, over-the-top menus are stripped back to their bare essentials, and chefs screamed at until they admit simple seasonal food is good and overly fussy food isn't. Now the Michelin-starred man seems to be taking his own advice.

Buoyed by the phenomenal success of his new London gastropubs, he's announced plans to open a chain of cheaper restaurants in a similar vein where those not blessed with a gold credit card can tuck into good old fashioned British favourites, like Steak & kidney pie and Lamb stew, for just £30-a-head.

While one of those £200+ a head dinners at one of Gordon's international empire of fine dining restaurants (16 at last count, and growing) is on my list of things to experience before stumps, it's relaxed, rustic cooking that really floats my boat, and Gordon's stripped-back variety seems particularly appealing.

While we're not short on gastropubs in London, prices and quality vary wildly. Contrary to some landlords' belief, a pub is not a gastropub if the menu extends beyond peanuts and crisps. With Gordon at the helm, standards should be high, prices relatively low, but at what price to the small matter of atmosphere and individuality?

What strikes fear in the heart most is the word 'chain'. Visions of Wetherspoons except with slower-cooked stews and fancier fittings inevitably arise. And he's not the only celebrity chef doing it. Jamie Oliver is also in the process of opening a chain of 'Jamie's Italian' restaurants around the UK which will apparently offer "high quality, authentic and affordable Italian food". Done right, Gordon and Jamie could set new standards for quality yet casual dining in this country and finally give chains a good name. It seems everything else they touch turns to gold, I've high hopes hope this will be no exception.

Will you be giving Gordon and Jamie's new restaurants a go? Share your opinion on the trend towards quality, casual dining.

Comments

Chris Brack

7 February 2008, 3:48PM
Chris Brack

Well allow me to comment on the 'chain' thing first. I know us foodies kinda dislike chains (I include my self here) but we are in the minority. Most people like the familiarty and knowing what they are getting-hence they are so popular. For me eating in the same place gets boring after a while-example wagamma. These chains will work as the food would appeal to alot of people and the chefs are very popular in Britain. I just hope they change their menu and go seasonal-stews/pies in the winter, salads fish in the summer etc. But beware folks- familiarty does tend to breed contempt as my daddy used to say.

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Alig99

10 February 2008, 4:46PM
Alig99

I'm all for a good plate of food at a reasonable price. I'm fed up with poor ingredients especially dished up in those pricey individual resturants dotted across country. I hope Gordon's 'chain' resturants will ensure that good local produce is used and we can all enjoy excellently cooked, fresh food, it would also give those pricey resturants something to digest!.

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Gregg

10 February 2008, 6:23PM
Gregg

I think all this free advertising for people's restaurants is fantastic. Me and my Uncle Ted were thinking of opening a chain of launderettes throughout the South East. If we get my Auntie Lil to serve up one of her sausage rolls, can I get some free advertising as well.

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shez

15 February 2008, 12:44PM
shez

Ha ha Greg and point taken! Have to say that if they do it in the same way as Rick Stein in Padstow (not saying he's a chan but he does offer a few options for foodies), then I will be more than impressed. I prefer to take my children to places where they can appreciate good food even at their tender ages of 3 & 11 but one of the top named restaurants is not always appropriate surroundings for them but we found a good food haven in Rick Steins' Cafe and had a wonderful child friendly lunch amongst other families. If similar fayre and atmosphere is offered in these"chains" then roll them out!

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Holly

18 February 2008, 3:38PM
Holly

As two of Britain's fave chefs I have to say I'm glad of the education and will look forward to trying out a few of Gordon and Jamie's places. Much as I would love to dine out at The Boxwood Cafe and Fifteen to see what the food's like, I would also be on beans on toast for the month following after paying the bill! If the food's good then I can't wait to posh it up and say I've eaten at a top chef's place.

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Jen

19 February 2008, 5:10PM
Jen

I am a bit worried about messrs Ramsey and Oliver selling themselves out with these new chain restaurants. Will they have their faces all over it and will it be more about their personalities rather than the cooking? That being said, I look forward to trying them for myself, will taste first and judge later.

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