Celebrity Chef Takes Stand Against Weight Loss Injection Menus
Gordon Ramsay has publicly declared he will not be introducing an 'Ozempic tasting menu' to his restaurant empire, vehemently criticising the concept. The famously outspoken chef, 58, made his position clear during an interview with the Sunday Times, stating there was 'no f****** way' he would be 'giving into the Mounjaro jab'.
His comments arrive as other prominent chefs, including Heston Blumenthal, have begun catering to customers using weight loss injections. Blumenthal launched a menu at his Berkshire restaurant, The Fat Duck, in September, featuring reduced portion sizes which he described as a 'mindful experience'.
Ramsay's Blunt Assessment on Dining Habits
Ramsay did not mince words when explaining his opposition. 'The problem is with them [the diners] for eating too much in the first f***ing place,' he asserted. He firmly rejected the idea of creating a menu specifically for those on medications like Ozempic, adding: 'There’s no way that we’re coming in with an Ozempic tasting menu to make you feel like less of a fat f*** by 10.30 in the evening.'
A Busy Week of High-Profile Events and New Ventures
This culinary controversy capped off an exceptionally busy period for the chef. On Tuesday, he hosted a prestigious celebration for the newly-knighted Sir David Beckham at his eponymous Chelsea restaurant, following the former footballer's investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.
The exclusive event, attended by Sir David, his wife Victoria, their three youngest children, his parents, and select friends, featured a lavish three-course meal. Guests enjoyed scallops with caviar and edible flowers, Ramsay's signature beef wellington, and jam roly-poly, with Victoria reportedly opting for her usual sea bass. The celebration, which ran until around 1am, was accompanied by Sir David's favourite red wine and Champagne.
Ramsay's schedule also included hosting a launch party for his new Apple TV documentary series, 'Knife Edge', at his Lucky Cat restaurant in Bishopsgate. The series, for which he serves as executive producer, follows chefs worldwide as they pursue a coveted Michelin star.
Looking ahead, Ramsay has a Netflix fly-on-the-wall series scheduled for release next year, filmed over nine months during the launch of several projects. A significant new opening is Hèst, an intimate 12-seat restaurant on the 60th floor of a City skyscraper, which holds the distinction of being Europe's highest restaurant. The tasting menu costs £250, with an optional £210 wine pairing.
He is also set to open a Hell's Kitchen restaurant in central London, following the success of seven existing outlets in the United States.
Financial Performance and Strategic Shifts
Despite this expansion, Ramsay's restaurant group faces challenging economic conditions. Gordon Ramsay Restaurants (GRR) saw revenues rise from £95.6 million to £133.9 million last year. However, the group reported a loss before tax of £12.6 million – more than triple the previous year's £3.4 million loss.
Reports indicate this loss stems not from poor trading but from a multi-million-pound investment in new restaurant launches. This strategic expansion has coincided with the closure of several more casual outlets. Multiple Street Burger locations in prime London spots have shut, a Reading branch is listed as 'temporarily closed', and the Street Pizza chain has closed in Edinburgh, with a planned Greenwich opening yet to materialise. The Ealing branch of Bread Street Kitchen & Bar also closed in 2023.
Despite these operational challenges, Ramsay's personal fortune remains robust, with an estimated net worth of £167 million.
