Gordon Ramsay has been busy, balancing his television presence with an ambitious expansion of his restaurant empire. He recently filmed a Super Bowl advertisement with Pete Davidson before serving po’ boys at the big game. Now, Ramsay’s focus has shifted to London’s tallest skyscraper, 22 Bishopsgate, where he has signed a 20-year lease for five new ventures.
The new establishments include an outpost of Lucky Cat, an “Asian-inspired” restaurant; a chef’s-table version of his three-Michelin-star Chelsea flagship, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay; a cooking academy; a 60-seat Lucky Cat Bar; and a brasserie-style Bread Street Kitchen, set to open later this year. A forthcoming Netflix documentary, Being Gordon Ramsay, will chronicle the journey leading up to these openings.
On the 60th floor, the 120-seat Lucky Cat serves as the centerpiece. Originally met with controversy for blending diverse Asian cuisines, it continues to mix sushi, Chinese bao, and Korean kimchi. The space, with its extravagant interior and high-end pricing, could fit seamlessly in Las Vegas, where luxury and theatricality reign. The menu offers a range of dishes, from crowd-pleasing crispy squid to premium toro and hamachi sashimi at £5 per piece. The Iberico pork chop, served with miso and kimchi-pickled lettuce, stands out, as does the pan-seared Chilean sea bass. Prices climb steeply in the Wagyu section, where dishes are marked at market rates, and even vegetable sides can cost £15.
The restaurant’s sky-high location offers stunning city views, spanning from the Gherkin to St Paul’s Cathedral. However, Ramsay himself is rarely seen in these kitchens. While his empire includes multiple Michelin-starred establishments, his more casual ventures, like Street Burger and Bread Street Kitchen, are often criticized for mediocrity. His focus now seems to be on scaling the brand rather than chasing culinary accolades.
Despite criticism, Ramsay’s business remains lucrative. With estimated pre-tax revenue of £95.6 million for the 12 months ending August 2023, his global audience continues to embrace his brand. Whether he is winning over discerning diners or expanding his reach through franchise opportunities, Ramsay’s influence in the culinary world remains undeniable.
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