Jason Atherton opens five restaurants amid tough hospitality year
- The UK hospitality industry is experiencing a downturn, leading to closures of many high-profile restaurants.
- Jason Atherton is opening five new restaurants in London, including Three Darlings and Sael, while reflecting on his past mistakes.
- He believes that only the best fine dining establishments will survive in the current market and is committed to achieving excellence.
In 2024, the hospitality industry in the UK is facing significant challenges, with many renowned chefs closing their restaurants due to rising costs and changing consumer behavior. Despite this downturn, Jason Atherton is taking a bold step by opening five new establishments in London, including a bistro named Three Darlings and a restaurant called Sael. Atherton acknowledges the difficulties but sees opportunities in the current climate, emphasizing the importance of learning from past mistakes in his career. He reflects on his previous failures, such as overstaffing and poor market research, and is committed to creating a healthier work environment for his young workforce. Atherton believes that the market is oversaturated with fine dining options, and only the best will survive, which motivates him to strive for excellence in his new ventures. He views this as a crucial moment in his career, aiming to operate at the highest level with his team, as he considers this his last chance in fine dining.