One of London’s most famous restaurants, Le Caprice, once a favourite of A-list celebrities and royals alike, is shutting its West End doors – with plans to reopen elsewhere.

The restaurant, snug behind the Ritz Hotel, first opened in 1947 by Mario Gallati.

Later, in its art deco glamour, it became a stomping ground for the likes of Princess Diana, who always sat on a corner table. It attracted in the ’80s – having been bought by Corbin & King – the buzzing Sloane set and the paparazzi were never far away. Other fans include Mick Jagger, Elizabeth Taylor, and Princess Margaret.

But its current owner Richard Caring said the coronavirus pandemic has caused the group to up-sticks and take the brand elsewhere. He might consider improving the food.

A spokesperson for Caprice Holdings said: “Le Caprice has occupied the current site for 38 years and now the lease is coming to an end. The iconic restaurant within the London dining scene will be reborn at a new location currently under negotiation.

“We thank our clientele for their loyalty and support over the years and assure them that they will be as excited as us with the new plans for this historic brand.”

Caprice Holdings has also closed Rivington in Greenwich as Caring looks to cut costs during economic uncertainty. His other restaurants, Sexy Fish, J Sheekey, the Ivy, and Scott’s are still set to reopen, as far as Harden’s knows.