London's celebrated fine dining landscape is set to lose one of its most distinguished establishments as Michelin-starred Club Gascon announces its permanent closure. The Smithfield restaurant, which has been a cornerstone of London's culinary scene for 27 years, will serve its final meals on 28th March 2026.
A Culinary Institution Bows Out
Chef-owner Pascal Aussignac, who founded Club Gascon in 1998, confirmed the closure through an emotional Instagram announcement. The restaurant, inspired by Aussignac's native Gascony region in south-west France, earned its coveted Michelin star in 2002 and has since become synonymous with innovative French cuisine in the capital.
Pioneering the Small Plates Concept
In their farewell message, Aussignac and co-owner Vincent Labeyrie reflected on their restaurant's pioneering approach to dining. 'From the very beginning, our philosophy was driven by passion and creativity,' they stated. 'We offered guests the freedom to explore three to five dishes across our menu, in no set order, long before "small plates" became part of everyday dining vocabulary.'
The owners emphasised that their restaurant was designed as a sharing-led experience specifically created to showcase Gascony's rich culinary heritage. This innovative approach helped establish Club Gascon as a trailblazer in London's dining scene.
Transforming Smithfield's Dining Scene
Club Gascon played a pivotal role in transforming Smithfield into one of London's premier dining destinations. Alongside other notable establishments like St John and Stephen Bull Bistro, the restaurant helped elevate the area's culinary reputation.
The closure marks the end of an era for the Gascon brand in London. The restaurant's two sister venues – Comptoir Gascon and Cellar Gascon – have already ceased operations, making Club Gascon the final chapter in this particular culinary story.
Final Opportunities to Experience Club Gascon
Diners still have a limited window to experience Club Gascon's celebrated cuisine before its doors close permanently. The restaurant will continue serving until 28th March, offering patrons one last chance to enjoy signature dishes including:
- The renowned 'tipsy duck' – a whole roast bird glazed with Armagnac
- Their celebrated foie gras preparations
- The innovative 'faux' gras alternatives
Reservations for these final services are expected to be highly sought after by both loyal regulars and those wishing to experience this culinary institution before its closure.
A Changing London Dining Landscape
The closure of Club Gascon represents a significant moment in London's evolving restaurant scene. After nearly three decades of operation, the restaurant has witnessed substantial changes in dining trends, economic challenges, and shifting consumer preferences.
While the specific reasons for the closure haven't been detailed beyond the owners' statement of gratitude mixed with sadness, the announcement has sparked reflection within London's culinary community about the challenges facing long-established fine dining establishments in the current economic climate.
The departure of such an influential restaurant leaves a notable gap in London's French dining scene, though it also creates space for new culinary ventures to emerge in the ever-changing landscape of the capital's restaurant industry.
