There are probably few people who speak as freely as Gordon Ramsay. The TV chef and restaurant group owner's profanity-laden reputation precedes him.
So it won't come as a surprise that in a recent interview, Ramsay said that lockdown got rid of all the "s**thole" restaurants. The Radio Times interview, hosted by former shadow chancellor Ed Balls, was primarily focused around Ramsay's new show, Gordon Ramsay's Future Food Stars (the contestants of which have now been announced, along with the whopping £150,000 prize).
He went on to say that the pandemic has forced those working in the hospitality industry to "raise their game". This comes amidst the end of all restrictions and business starting to go back to normal.
“The business was on its arse, but it’s getting better … It’s been devastating the last two years. Landlords don’t say, ‘Take a holiday for two years’. But I think what has been evident for all of us is the crap’s gone."
Many chains such as Pizza Express, Carluccio's, Zizzi and Ask have shut locations during the pandemic.
When Balls asked which restaurants he was referring to, Ramsay responded "...shitholes in a prime position and taking advantage because they’re in a great location, and they’ve got the footfall. But now we’ve wiped the slate clean, which is good.”
Finally, he went on to describe how much more discerning diners are now.
“Customers have got so much smarter in the last two years. They know a lot more about food than they ever have done and have been making their own sourdough, so it’s taught everyone [in the restaurant industry] to raise their game … It’s wiped the arrogance from the industry.”
In other Covid-related news, 22,000 pubs could close due to the end of Covid relief, according to an MP's report.