A prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant in Chelsea has fallen victim to a 'bizarre' theft of a £200 seafood delivery, leaving the business out of pocket and disrupting its daily menu.
Elystan Street captured the moment a box of high-end langoustine was allegedly swiped from outside its premises. The incident, described as surprising and a first for the establishment, occurred at around 8am on Tuesday, November 25.
An Opportunistic and Targeted Theft
According to Sarah Rhone, Operations Director at Elystan Street, the theft was both irritating and damaging. She highlighted the challenges already facing the hospitality industry, stating that the loss of £200 worth of stock genuinely hurts the business.
"It also causes disruption as we can't put the product on the menu for that day," Rhone explained. She believes the culprit was an opportunist who knew exactly what they were looking for. "Langoustine is very expensive and Michelin star so we always look for the best produce - I think they studied the label on the box," she added.
Police Investigation Underway
The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed they are investigating the report of a theft from outside the restaurant on Elystan Street. A spokesperson stated that the suspect stole produce valued at approximately £200 at around 08:00hrs on Tuesday, 25 November.
The victim reported the crime to the police on Wednesday, 26 November. Police enquiries are ongoing and they have asked anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting reference CAD 1601 of 26 November.
The Impact on a London Fine-Dining Establishment
Langoustine, a delicacy also known as Norway Lobster or Scampi, is a costly crustacean closely related to lobster, often featured in high-end dishes like pasta or pies. Its theft not only represents a direct financial loss but also impacts the restaurant's ability to offer specific, fresh menu items to its clientele.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by businesses, even those of a Michelin-star calibre, in the current economic climate.
