Picture to close its doors next month
In a statement posted on the Picture Instagram account, owners Alan Christie, Colin Kelly and Tom Slegg said: “Some news... October 5th will be the last day of trading at both of our restaurants.
“It is hard to believe that it is over six years ago that this Englishman, Irishman and Scotsman opened Picture on Great Portland Street. Giddy with excitement - albeit with zero guests booked - we pushed open the doors one Tuesday lunchtime with hope in our hearts that we could make this venture work.”
Former Arbutus chef Christie teamed up with ex-Wild Honey chef Kelly and restaurant manager Slegg to open the first Picture restaurant in Fitzrovia back in 2013.
The trio then doubled up with the opening of a second site in Marylebone in 2016.
With both à la carte and tasting menu options available, the restaurant focused on modern European cuisine with dishes including smoked haddock brandade served with crisp poached egg, hispi and brown shrimps; and slow-cooked lamb with sweetbread, artichoke, red pepper and olive.
“It has become more difficult recently to keep the business viable,” the statement continues.
“There are many boring reasons why, and we have been working harder and harder to keep on top.
“This work has been tough on us but tougher on our families. Rather than continuing we are making this decision for them, whilst we are in a solid position to close the restaurants properly without leaving anyone out of pocket.”
