Aubergine (London restaurant)

Aubergine

Company type	Private
Industry	Restaurant
Founded	1993
Founder	A-Z Restaurants
Defunct	2010
Headquarters	Chelsea, London , England, United Kingdom
Owner	Gordon Ramsay (at closure)

Aubergine was a dining establishment located in Chelsea, London, operated by A-Z Restaurants and inaugurated in 1993 with chef Gordon Ramsay at the helm. It achieved two Michelin stars in 1997, a distinction it held until Ramsay departed in July 1998 following the dismissal of Marcus Wareing from the affiliated L'Oranger. Under William Drabble’s leadership, Aubergine maintained a single Michelin star up to Drabble’s exit in 2009. The restaurant ceased operations in 2010, with intentions to reopen as a casual Italian eatery.

History

A-Z Restaurants, managed by Claudio Pulze, Franco Zanelleto, and Giuliano Lotto, launched Aubergine in 1993 alongside an unrelated venue named Memories of China. Marco Pierre White introduced his protégé Gordon Ramsay to the proprietors; Ramsay was appointed head chef and granted a 25% ownership stake.

Marcus Wareing joined the team as sous chef in 1993, followed by Angela Hartnett in 1994; both eventually transferred to L'Oranger. Mark Sargeant came on board in 1997 and later assumed the role of head chef at Claridge's under Ramsay’s mentorship.

In 1998, a motorcyclist stole the restaurant’s reservations ledger—a critical asset since it contained the only record of bookings. Initially, Ramsay accused White of theft but confessed in 2007 that he had taken it himself to create disruption and deflect blame. White denied any involvement and contemplated legal action over these claims.

After Wareing was dismissed from L'Oranger in May 1998, Ramsay coordinated a staff walkout at both restaurants but did not resign immediately. He subsequently submitted his resignation and was released from his responsibilities. This incident, which Ramsay referred to as "Black Friday," prompted A-Z Restaurants to sue him for £1 million citing lost income; the dispute was resolved out of court. The shutdown of Aubergine and L'Oranger reportedly cost A-Z approximately £15,000 per day.

Ramsay’s departure was documented in Channel 4’s series Boiling Point. He then opened Restaurant Gordon Ramsay at the former site of La Tante Claire. William Drabble took over at Aubergine after Ramsay, having previously worked at the Michelin-starred Nook. The restaurant reopened on 11 September 1998.

In 2009, Aubergine expanded by launching a sister location at the Compleat Angler Hotel in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, headed by Miles Nixon, who had been sous chef under Drabble. This branch offered a similar menu at reduced prices due to lower expenses and opened within two months of securing the hotel lease. Later that year, Drabble departed; Nixon became executive chef at Marlow while Christophe Renou assumed head chef duties in London.

After one year, the owners contemplated closing Aubergine Chelsea for renovation and relaunching it as a relaxed Italian dining spot. The site is currently owned by Gordon Ramsay and operates under the name Gordon Ramsay Maze Grill Park Walk.

Reception

In 2000, Nigel Farndale of The Daily Telegraph observed some theatrical elements in the service style but considered the menu reasonably priced and overall experience favorable, despite mixed opinions from his dining companion.

During Gordon Ramsay’s tenure, Aubergine earned its initial Michelin star in 1995 and gained a second star in 1997, holding both until his departure. Under chef Philip Drabble starting in 1999, it retained one star until he left. In 2000, it was recognized as London’s best French restaurant at the London Restaurant Awards.

See also

• List of French restaurants