Gauthier rehires despite crunch

Alexis Gauthier, owner of Roussillon restaurant in west London, told three members of his kitchen staff they had to leave back in July - but now he's rehiring for those same posts. Expecting a massive fall in numbers eating at his restaurant due to the economic slowdown, Gauthier has in fact found that his brand of classic French cooking is drawing people away from the flashier, more experimental type of cooking found in central London. "We don't have warm jellies, or foamed surprises," says Gauthier. "We're roast pigeon, braised duck".

Gauthier is benefiting from what he sees as the new expense account world in London: a maximum of £100 per head. That's how his 40-seat diner is full in the evening, and lunch, where he offers a set deal at midday of £35 including a half bottle of wine, is nowhere near the disaster he was predicting. "September and October has been quieter than last year, but Monday to Thursday is still going great guns pm". 

His rent is reasonable compared to some of the more extreme charges in W1, and Gauthier has developed his local clientele over 10 years of Roussillon being open. However, Gauthier admits that he's worried about 2009. "January through to Valentine's Day is traditionally tough, but next year it's going to be really difficult. I am really worried about 2009, to tell you the truth."