LONDON – Margot Italian restaurant, a fixture on Great Queen Street in Covent Garden since 2016 and celebrated for its high-quality cuisine and service, has announced it will permanently close its doors on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The decision, described by the owners as “difficult,” comes as the hospitality sector grapples with escalating operational costs.
The restaurant, founded by experienced maitre d’s Paulo de Tarso and Nicolas Jaouën, quickly established itself as a respected destination within London’s competitive dining landscape. It garnered significant critical acclaim, including recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide and Condé Nast Traveller (CN Traveller), underscoring its reputation for excellence.
The Genesis of Margot
Opened in 2016, Margot was the realization of a long-held ambition for de Tarso and Jaouën, both seasoned professionals with extensive backgrounds in managing front-of-house operations at leading establishments. Their vision was to create an Italian restaurant that combined classic elegance with contemporary flair, offering refined dishes and impeccable service in the heart of central London.
Their commitment to quality resonated with diners and critics alike. The menu, focusing on authentic Italian flavours executed with precision, featured standout dishes that contributed to its acclaim. Specific examples highlighted by reviewers included delicate ravioli parcels with toasted hazelnuts and succulent chicken wrapped in Parma ham, demonstrating a commitment to both flavour and presentation.
Facing Economic Headwinds
The stated reason for the impending closure points directly to the challenging economic climate impacting businesses across the United Kingdom, particularly within the hospitality sector. The owners cited substantial business rate and national insurance cost increases as the primary drivers behind their decision. These cost pressures, notably those imposed in “this year’s budget,” have significantly elevated the financial burden on the restaurant.
Business rates, a tax on non-domestic properties, represent a substantial outgoing for establishments located in prime central London locations like Covent Garden. Increases in these rates directly impact profitability margins. Similarly, rising National Insurance contributions, payable by both employers and employees, add to staffing costs, a major expenditure for any labour-intensive industry such as restaurants.
A Difficult Decision in a Challenging Climate
The owners described the move as a “difficult decision,” a phrase that resonates deeply within a sector frequently battling thin margins and external economic shocks. The cumulative effect of increased business rates and National Insurance costs, layered upon other pressures such as energy price volatility, supply chain issues, and wage inflation, can make continued operation unsustainable, even for popular and critically successful venues.
Margot’s closure serves as a high-profile example of the pressures confronting London’s celebrated restaurant scene. While the city boasts a vibrant and resilient culinary landscape, the economic realities can pose significant threats, particularly to independent establishments lacking the buffer or negotiating power of larger chains.
Impact on London’s Dining Scene
The departure of Margot Italian restaurant on June 28, 2025, will be felt by its loyal clientele, its staff, and the wider London dining community. Its recognition by guides such as Michelin and CN Traveller signifies a loss not just of a business, but of a establishment that contributed significantly to the city’s reputation as a global culinary capital.
The closure highlights the precarious balance many restaurants must maintain between maintaining quality – which often involves premium ingredients and skilled staff – and managing escalating operational expenses. The fate of Margot underscores the urgent need for policy considerations that support, rather than hinder, the viability of acclaimed independent businesses in the hospitality sector.
The restaurant will continue to operate and welcome guests on Great Queen Street until its final service on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
