Corbin & King, like the Harts Group, will also begin opening its portfolio on July 4.

King said “if people are willing to go to restaurants then we should be open for them” as he announced five sites will relaunch from the off, with others to follow.

On the first day restrictions are lifted, the Wolseley, Colbert, Brasserie Zédel, and Fischer’s will open in London, with Café Wolseley at Bicester Village in Oxfordshire also relaunching.

King said: “Many in the business think we are over optimistic to open so many and a large number of restaurateurs are actually going to ‘wait and see’ – with some feeling it’s really not worth opening until September.

“I understand that approach completely but also feel strongly that our restaurants are very much part of the fabric and community of both central London and the neighbourhoods – but I also feel that if people are willing to go to restaurants then we should be open for them to be able to.

“I remain positive and have been emboldened by our survey results that revealed that 83 per cent of customers said they will likely return as soon as they are able.

“Certainly all the restaurateurs I have spoken to in France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the States have reported incredibly strong demand with minimal Covid concerns. We will have to see…”

In an email, King also mentioned the group’s new restaurant Manzi’s, in Soho, which we can now say is expected to open in October.