Pascal Aussignac is to close City of London institution Club Gascon after almost 30 years of trading.
The restaurant, housed within a former Lyon’s Tea house, opened in 1998 cooking food inspired by the cuisine of southwest France and has held a Michelin star since 2002.
In a statement of Instagram Aussignac and business partner Vincent Labeyrie said that the restaurant would close its doors for the final time on 28 March.
The pair added: “Since 1998 it has been our privilege to celebrate the cuisine and spirit of Gascony in London; welcoming guests from around the world and sharing a dining experience rooted in tradition, seasonality and creativity.
“We are deeply thankful to our loyal guests, and to our incredible team past and present, whose passion and dedication brought Club Gascon to life every day. We’re also incredibly grateful for the loyalty, support and enthusiasm shown by our community, and for the recognition we have received, including nearly 25 years of Michelin stars and other accolades.”
When it opened Club Gascon was lauded for being a fine-dining restaurant that made French cuisine appealing to a younger audience, with small plates and an exciting atmosphere. It won the Newcomer Award at the 1999 Cateys, followed by a Michelin Star in 2002 and Aussignac and Labeyrie were named Restaurateur of the Year – Independent at the 2007 Cateys.
Aussignac told The Caterer at the time: “London and Londoners are much cooler than the French, more laid back and much more fun. They’re more open-minded than the French and open to new food concepts.”
The restaurateurs continue to operate Provençal restaurant Cigalon and French riviera-inspired cocktail bar Baranis on Chancery Lane, which opened in 2010.
Dining and Cooking