1st April 2008

Canary Wharf - City Life – Issue 34

Opening a Culinary Monster
Gaucho`s Martin Williams on the trials and tribulations of a restaurant launch

"We will give you the keys on Monday", promised Frank.  Arriving in my Savile Row suit and fancy Italian shoes, I was dismayed to be taking possession of a building site - nay, a restaurant.  Ten minutes later, I was horrified to see my finery covered in half a centimetre of dust.  I quickly changed into my designer `scruffs`- moth-eaten cashmere jumper and last year`s black skinny jeans (in which I used to pride myself throughout 2007 on looking like a monochrome leprechaun), called my dry cleaner for an emergency collection and asked my pal Tom Pink to send over a new shirt.

Opening a normal restaurant on the one hand is a feat of tolerance, diplomacy, patience and tact.  On the other it is a matter of indulging in an uncompromising stance of nothing but perfection will do.  I prefer the `other hand` stance; it is a more exciting ship to sail.  Opening an extraordinary restaurant is a tricky operation.  Standard restaurants are Dandelion and Burdock; we are attempting to create Vintage Krug.

Over the past year we have pontificated, rejected, mused, accepted and enthused about the decision to open in The O2.  We are possibly a little ahead of our time in what we have put together there (I would suggest visionary but would fear coming across as egocentric), but the same could be said of when we opened in Canary Wharf five years ago - and it can now boast to be one of the financial district`s busiest environments for corporate entertaining.  

Realising the need to make `Gaucho at The O2' the finest environment for corporate entertainment, we acquired VIP Suite in the Arena to host our guest; we created a sensual sunken bar which reminds me of the rawness of Buenos Aires nightlife; we added a wine boutique in which all guests are invited to a complimentary tasting session and have the opportunity to choose the wine they would like for dinner from our 160 Argentine Vintages; and we created private dining spaces and lounges along with bespoke menus to stretch people`s minds and wallets!

Writing a week on, the dust keeps re-appearing, but my team of cleaners attack it with similar gusto to vegans devouring sugar snaps and hemp seeds.  Regardless, we have a brand spanking restaurant open and ready to entertain Canary Wharf`s finest.

Gaucho Canary Wharf is opening its terrace this month.  It is this time of year when the restaurant comes into its own.  Sitting on our 200 cover terrace in a swanky `Starke' chair, diners can watch the sun rise over Greenland whilst enjoying empanadas and see it set on the Gherkin late into the night, whilst indulging in a Black Angus Fillet.  I wont ask you to move your chair and can guarantee that there is no better seat in London this summer.  Its a good idea to book now, whilst the thought of the season is a romantic ideal, not a grumpy escape from the sticky Tube or blast-chilled office.