A restaurant in Leatherhead, Surrey has whipped up a social storm after suggesting women should wear 'sexy black ankle-strap heels with a form-fitting top' or 'bodycon dresses' in order to gain entry. Entry to the new restaurant is by guest list only, with a now-deleted Instagram post by the restaurant having read: 'Beluga staff and security will not allow you entry if you simply turn up.'
The dress code note has since been removed, but it originally read that, 'women can wear skinny black jeans with sexy black ankle-strap heels and with a form-fitting top. Alternatively, there are many different types of dresses that would look good at the bar in summer or winter, namely a midi or bodycon dress.'
Men, meanwhile, were asked to turn up in ‘smart casual’ with jackets, and not in t-shirts or tracksuits.
Upmarket sushi restaurant Beluga Bar is lining up for a grand unveiling in leafy Leatherhead on 11 February, opening with a menu of gyoza, tempura, sashimi and nigiri. But the restaurant has caused a stir with its dress code, which has been labelled as ‘outdated’ and ‘misogynistic’ by online commenters. One comment on Instagram read: ‘Your dress code is appallingly misogynistic. If this is how you treat your customers, I pity your employees. Your antiquated attitude is shocking, disgusting and not welcome.’
Another commenter says: ‘The 1980’s called, they want their sexist, misogynistic dress code back.’
The post and comments have since been deleted, and the restaurant has apologised, claiming that the dress code was posted ‘mistakenly’.
‘We would like to express our sincere apologies for the Ts&Cs mistakenly posted on our website on Tuesday the 8th February 2022, in relation to dress code,’ the update reads. ‘The description was disrespectful, inappropriate and offensive and does not reflect the image we’re seeking to promote.’
Beluga Bar will still open on Friday evening as previously planned. In the meantime, check out our list of the best new restaurants in London and maybe head to one of those instead!