Top London restaurants implement minimum spend to tackle reservation issues
ft.com —
Top London restaurants are now requiring minimum spends and deposits to combat reservation-squatting and social media influencers. Gymkhana has set a £100 minimum spend for dinner, while Hutong requires £80 per adult on busy nights. These changes come as restaurants face high cancellation rates and the impact of booking bots. Dorian's owner implemented a £25 deposit per person to discourage multiple bookings by guests who only show up at one restaurant. Some restaurants, like Bob Bob Ricard, are opting against minimum spends, citing a need to prioritize customer loyalty. The trend reflects broader challenges in the restaurant industry, including rising costs and the influence of social media.