-René Redzepi has stepped back from his role at Noma following serious abuse allegations from former staff. An investigation by The New York Times, based on interviews with around 35 employees who worked at the restaurant between 2009 and 2017, reported claims of physical violence, psychological abuse, intimidation and punishment for minor mistakes. Some former workers also said they were threatened with career retaliation or blacklisting. The story renewed criticism of the restaurant’s reliance on unpaid stagiaires. The controversy comes just as Noma begins a 16-week residency in Los Angeles. In a statement on Instagram, Redzepi acknowledged the concerns, apologised, and said he took responsibility for his past leadership.
-The Wolseley Hospitality Group is expanding to the US to open its first The Wolseley-branded hotel in New York City. Parent company Minor Hotels plans to open a 76-bedroom hotel and all-day brasserie near Times Square in early 2027. The Wolseley Hotel New York will be located at 130 West 44th Street near Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan in a building originally constructed in 1905 as the clubhouse for The Lambs Club. It will be the brand’s first hotel globally and is expected to position New York as the flagship destination for Wolseley Hotels, while also introducing The Wolseley restaurant and bar to the US for the first time.
-Heston Blumenthal’s two-Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park will close at the end of January 2027 after 16 years. The closure coincides with the end of the restaurant’s tenancy at the hotel, which was originally due to finish in summer 2026 but was extended by six months to mark the anniversary. In an interview with The Times, Blumenthal described the decision as ‘bittersweet’, saying the restaurant’s run had come to its natural end. The final month will feature a celebratory eight-course tasting menu spanning five centuries of historic British cuisine, bringing back archive dishes alongside classics such as mandarin meat fruit and tipsy cake.
-Sid Ahuja has departed from the two-Michelin-starred Gymkhana after nearly a decade, having joined the Albemarle Street venue in 2015 and risen from executive chef to chef director. During his tenure, he played a key role in helping the restaurant earn its second Michelin star. Ahuja is reportedly leaving to lead an as-yet-unnamed restaurant project in Australia. His exit comes shortly after Gymkhana expanded internationally with a new location in Las Vegas, which opened late last year. Reflecting on his departure, he said he is ‘looking ahead to his next adventure with great excitement’ and will reveal further details soon.
-Senza Fondo is expanding outside London with the launch of Senza Fondeli in early April. Located at 50 The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells, the 90-cover site marks the brand’s second location and is a partnership between founder Joe Worthington and Charlie Sweet. The concept evolves the original Senza Fondo brand into a day-to-night, coffee-to-cocktails model combining restaurant, bar, and deli retail. The menu will include grab-and-go focaccia sandwiches, salads, freshly prepared pasta dishes such as cacio e pepe, carbonara, and stuffed tortellini, as well as charcuterie, cicchetti, and antipasti. Senza’s signature bottomless lasagna will be served every Tuesday, with its classic lasagna available daily for eat-in and takeaway.