As revealed by Restaurant earlier this year, Abé is to launch an ambitious fine dining restaurant within the former Le Gavroche site in Mayfair that’s being backed by Ramsay.
“Bonheur translates to ‘happiness’ in French, so for me, Bonheur is a place of escapism,” says Abé.
“We’re breathing new life into an iconic site, creating a space that is elevated without overwhelming; that is warm, timeless, and comfortable; and that celebrates community, craftsmanship, and the bounty of the British Isles.”
Abé - whose cooking CV also includes Claridge’s - will offer a ‘personalised’ fine dining experience with guests able to choose between a ‘more approachable’ á la carte menu or opt for one of a number of ‘carefully curated’ tasting menus.
The cooking style is being billed as classically rooted cuisine with a contemporary touch, utilising the finest seasonal ingredients and ‘underscoring Abé’s dedication to detail’.
There will also be a chef’s table called Petit Bonheur that will offer up to six guests and ‘a front-row experience of the kitchen’s artistry and Abé’s philosophy of open, collaborative cooking’.
Subtle nods to Abé’s Australian roots will be woven throughout the interior design, which is being overseen by Russell Sage Studio.
Further details, including reservations, opening dates, and menus, will be announced in due course.
Le Gavroche closed in January 2024 after 56 years with chef patron Michel Roux Jr saying at the time that he was looking for a better work/life balance without the daily demands of a busy Michelin-starred restaurant.
Originally opened in 1967 by brothers Albert and Michel Roux Sr, Le Gavroche was the first restaurant in the UK to gain one, two and three Michelin stars (it lost its third in 1993) and was renowned for its classic French haute cuisine.
The restaurant moved to its current location on Upper Brook Street in Mayfair in 1981. The restaurant was taken over by Michel Roux Jr, son of Albert Roux, in 1991, who continued to lead the restaurant until its closure.