Sam's Brasserie benefits from Michelin trade down

After intial reports that Chelsea dwellers were trading down from Michelin starred establishments to more brasserie-style eateries such as Sophie's Steakhouse on the Fulham Road, it seems the trend is spreading and has now reached the leafy suburbs of Chiswick.

Sam of Sam's Brasserie, reports a betweeded couple walking in the other day who asked to speak to him. Being the obliging chap he is, he sauntered over to talk to them. They had known about Sam's for ages, they admitted, but had never eaten there before as they normally dined at the Michelin starred La Trompette around the corner.

However, because of the recession, they had now traded down to eat at Sam's, they explained to him, almost apologetically. We didn't realise things had gotten this bad?!