Maison Novelli
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Jean-Christophe Novelli |
| Defunct | 2003 |
| Fate | Closed |
| Headquarters | Clerkenwell, London , United Kingdom |
Key people | Jean-Christophe Novelli (chef and owner), Richard Guest (head chef) |
| Products | Dining services |
Maison Novelli was a dining establishment located in Clerkenwell, Central London, launched by chef and owner Jean-Christophe Novelli. It was awarded one Michelin star in the 1997 edition of the Michelin Guide. The company behind the restaurant entered liquidation in 2000, after which JJ Restaurants acquired it, with Novelli continuing his involvement as a consultant. The restaurant ceased operations in 2003.
History
Founded in 1996 by the renowned French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, Maison Novelli marked his inaugural restaurant venture. Novelli held the position of chef proprietor, while Richard Guest, who had previously worked alongside Novelli at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, served as head chef. Situated at 29 Clerkenwell Green, the premises had formerly housed Cafe St Pierre before being transformed into an upscale dining venue. The property was purchased from investor Jimmy Lahoud, known for supporting restaurateurs such as Marco Pierre White, who also invested in Maison Novelli.
The restaurant’s initial management was under Monsieur Irénée, whose goal was to foster an inviting yet high-standard service environment. Eric Patton later assumed managerial duties before departing to manage Novelli’s bistro, The Ark, located in Notting Hill.
Maison Novelli earned a Michelin star in 1997. That same year, Novelli stepped down as head chef to open Les Saveurs de Jean-Christophe Novelli; subsequently, Maison Novelli lost its Michelin star in 1998. After closing his other enterprises, Novelli returned in 1999 to concentrate on Maison Novelli, coinciding with Richard Guest’s exit.
The holding entity, Maison Novelli Limited, voluntarily liquidated on 30 June 2000, carrying debts of £200,000 against assets valued at £13,000. JJ Restaurants purchased the business for slightly over £100,000; ownership of the property reverted to Jimmy Lahoud. Despite liquidation, the restaurant continued operations. In 2002, Novelli departed London’s culinary scene to lead Auberge du Lac in Hertfordshire but maintained a consultancy role with Maison Novelli. The establishment ultimately closed its doors in January 2003.
Max Renzland's proposed plan to inaugurate Chez Max at this location was abandoned; he instead took over a former venue associated with Gary Rhodes. In July 2005, the site became home to Dans le Noir?, a restaurant featuring dining in complete darkness.
Distinguished patrons included Rod Stewart and Salman Rushdie. In 2006, Novelli expelled food critic Michael Winner from his gastropub following a confrontation involving Winner and staff at Maison Novelli; Winner claimed the incident was orchestrated for publicity purposes.
Reception
The AA initially offered criticism of Novelli’s first enterprise, describing it in 2000 as "created on a shoe-string (it was)." Nevertheless, plans were underway to comprehensively refurbish the Clerkenwell location. The New Yorker recognised Novelli as a prominent figure within the Mod Brit culinary movement and noted that his restaurant attracted food enthusiasts from its inception, with Head Chef Richard Guest receiving notable praise.
Maison Novelli was shortlisted for Best New Restaurant at the Good Food Awards, although it ultimately lost to L'Oranger by Marcus Wareing. The Independent emphasised Novelli's effective customer engagement strategy, reporting an exceptional dessert order rate of 85% during lunchtime service—significantly higher than industry norms.