Anthony Demetre and Will Smith part ways following Arbutus closure

The Arbutus has now closed its doors on Frith Street ahead of its relocation whilst co-founder Will Smith has chosen to move on to pastures new.

Back in February it was announced that the London based restaurant would be closing to reopen later in the year at an undisclosed location. At the time, Will’s departure from the critically acclaimed restaurant was unknown.

Following 20 years working together, it was recently announced that co-founder Anthony Demetre will take the helm of the restaurant’s re-opening whilst Will Smith will move to Scotland where he will open a boutique hotel and restaurant with his wife.

On his departure, Will said: “We’ve had a great journey together and shared so many proud moments over the last 20 years. With the closure of Arbutus after 10 years, my wife and I have decided to move to Loch Lomond to begin a new and exciting chapter.”

Pioneers of the Parisian ‘Bistronomy’ movement in London, Anthony and Will opened Arbutus in 2006 to rave reviews from critics including Fay Maschler, Giles Coren, Jay Rayner, and AA Gill who described it as ‘pretty damn perfect’. Winning praise for its seasonal dishes, affordable fixed-price lunch menu, and innovative approach to wine, with sixty available by the carafe, it quickly became one of London’s best-loved restaurants and was named BMW Square Meal Best New Restaurant in Autumn 2006.

Further details of Arbutus’ future location will be released shortly whilst Wild Honey in Mayfair will continue to operate as usual under Anthony Demetre.

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