Forum Topic

Michael Nadra

Does anyone know what's happening with Michael Nadra's Chiswick restaurant? I had several excellent take-away meals from them during lockdown earlier this year and cleverly (or so I thought) took the opportunity of one visit to book a table for four for a family celebration in July. Yesterday I received an email simply stating that my booking had been cancelled. A telephone call only resulted in a recorded message telling me that the restaurant would be closed for the foreseeable future, and there is no announcement on their website.

John Muir ● 1987d5 Comments

Well that is a little confusing as this was posted an hour ago on their website:"We’re closed for takeaway and delivery for essential works until we re-open on June 21st.See you all soon."This was after earlier posting that they would open today.I do hope they haven't gone...  We've had some really lovely meals there.

Philippa Bond ● 1987d

Many thanks Philippa. I checked the website again in the light of what you said and, sure enough, 21st June is now there in black and white. I then managed to get through to Francesco (manager) on the phone and it seems clear that this date is aspirational only:  they are not accepting any bookings at the moment, or for the foreseeable future. Francesco was extremely apologetic about that - and about the rather curt way in which customers were notified (down to OpenTable apparently). The main problem seems to revolve around staff recruitment and training issues - a problem facing many hospitality establishments post-lockdown and post-Brexit.  I can also guess that any continuing social distancing requirements would be an issue for the Chiswick restaurant given its configuration:  there are few enough covers normally and any enforced reduction would inevitably have a severe impact on financial viability.

John Muir ● 1987d

I love Michael Nadra.  I really hope they do re-open.I’m already grieving for my favourite self-service, pay-by-weight veggie, Tibbits.  Both branches definitely closed for good.  But a clear gap in the market there for some enterprising soul.

Alastair Banton ● 1987d

Oddly you can still book a table at their Primrose Hill branch (with a choice of times) for this evening.

N V Brooks ● 1987d

Suspect the Primrose Hill branch is a much easier site to manage in the current climate, and guess they've been open for the past few weeks using their outside space.I love Chiswick MN, but it is a tight space. I really hope they find a way to reopen though as it's our go-to treat local restaurant.

Chris Jenkins ● 1986d