What: Harrods announces departure of four celebrity chefs, including Gordon Ramsay and Tom Kerridge, as it shifts towards developing in-house dining concepts following strategic review.

Why it is important: The move signals a significant shift in luxury retail dining strategy, as major department stores reassess the value of celebrity chef partnerships in favor of more controlled, integrated food concepts.

Harrods, one of London's most prestigious department stores, is undertaking a significant transformation of its dining offerings by ending partnerships with four renowned chefs. Gordon Ramsay's burger restaurant, known for its £85 wagyu burgers and £55 lobster rolls, will close in January, while Sushi by Masa, Kerridge's Fish and Chips, and Calum Franklin at the Georgian will cease operations by August's end. This strategic shift follows a comprehensive review of customer preferences and industry trends, with the luxury retailer now focusing on developing its own food and beverage concepts. The departure of these high-profile chefs, including the recently opened Georgian restaurant featuring Calum Franklin, marks a decisive move away from celebrity chef partnerships. However, Harrods will maintain some external collaborations, retaining partnerships with Pasta Evangelists and Knoya Ramen Bar. The store plans to introduce new dining concepts in the coming months, reflecting its revised approach to luxury retail dining.

IADS Notes:

The shift in Harrods' dining strategy reflects broader transformations in luxury retail food and beverage operations. According to The Standard in March 2025, Liberty London successfully launched "Seventy Five," demonstrating how in-house dining concepts can effectively combine cultural programming with retail experience. This trend was earlier evidenced in Business of Fashion's November 2024 coverage of Harrods' own investment in The Georgian restaurant, featuring a £75 afternoon tea service that emphasized heritage and exclusivity. The Retail Bulletin reported in May 2025 that John Lewis had expanded its food service to 62 locations, with hospitality generating one in five transactions, validating the importance of controlled dining experiences. Capital magazine's June 2025 coverage of Galeries Lafayette's innovative Air France rooftop restaurant partnership showed how department stores can create unique dining destinations while maintaining brand alignment. Meanwhile, WWD's May 2025 report on Louis Vuitton's global Culinary Community initiative demonstrated how luxury brands are reimagining chef partnerships beyond traditional restaurant concepts, suggesting that Harrods' strategic shift aligns with evolving industry approaches to luxury dining experiences.

Gordon Ramsay and Tom Kerridge among star chefs to leave Harrods