Langoustine delivery stolen outside Michelin-starred restaurant
A box of fresh langoustines destined for the lunch service at Elystan Street was stolen on Tuesday morning after a woman was filmed on CCTV walking off with the restaurant’s seafood delivery.
The footage showed a woman in jeans and slippers approaching the front door of the one-Michelin-star Chelsea restaurant before picking up the labelled box and leaving the scene.
Phil Howard, chef-owner of Elystan Street, shared the clip on social media after staff realised the delivery had vanished.
He wrote: "Caught stealing our precious langoustines this morning - you low-life scum bag. Hope you rot in hell with your other hard working mates."
About Phil
During his years at university, he experimented with different things, worked hard and played harder. After studying microbiology at Kent University, Phil decided he didn’t want to pursue a career in the scientific field. Starting his early chef career in 1988 at Roux Restaurant, where he then eventually moved on from and trained with Marco Pierre White at Harvey’s as well as at Bibendum under Simon Hopkinson.
Opening the Square restaurant in 1991 with Nigel Platts-Martin, where he remained for 25 years, also holding two Michelin stars for 17 years.
In 2016 Phil sold the Square so he could focus more on Kitchen W8 and his new venture, Elystan
Read more: 1 Michelin Star Chefs: Phil Howard, co-owner, Elystan Street
Elystan Street, which opened in 2016, holds one Michelin star for its contemporary European cooking. Phil has built the restaurant into one of Chelsea’s most respected dining rooms, following a long career that includes two decades at The Square in Mayfair.
‘A very lovely supper’ – but a costly loss
Becky McLaughlin, restaurant manager, told The Telegraph the stolen produce was worth around £300 and due to be prepped for service later that day. She confirmed the theft would be reported to the police.
Becky said the restaurant had reached out to neighbouring businesses to warn them about the incident.
She added that while the value of the seafood might not be obvious to passers-by, the financial impact was significant at a time when margins remain tight for restaurants across the UK.
Becky said: “We have absolutely no idea why she did it, it’s a cost that somebody just doesn’t realise. In these times it’s incredibly difficult for restaurants, so things like this can be damaging.”
She noted that the woman appeared to read the label before taking the box.
Becky added: “I don’t know what they’ll do with them, but they’ll have a very lovely supper."
written by abi kinsella
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Langoustine delivery stolen outside Michelin-starred restaurant
