EXCLUSIVE – Chelsea restaurant Itsu set to close its doors for the final time
Itsu in Walton Street, Chelsea is set to close its doors shortly for the last time shortly due to rocketing rents.
Described by The Telegraph as a “timeless social hot spot for women in fur boots who can’t move their foreheads”, the restaurant was the original restaurant in the chain and opened in 1997. It was the brainchild of Pret a Manger founder Julian Metcalfe and businessman Clive Schlee and is currently one of over 60 locations that form part of the Asian-inspired food chain.
Prior to becoming Itsu, the Walton Street location was amongst other things the site of an “upmarket eatery” named Walton’s. That restaurant was bombed by an IRA unit named the Balcombe Street Gang on 18th November 1975. Two diners died and 23 others were injured.
I believe this yet another property being taken over by an Irish entrepreneur trading as” brompton estates”. It is causing a blight on the area as properties are closed, shrouded in black plastic and indifferent to the residents.
Matthew
Interesting piece. I totally forgot about Waltons.
It makes you wonder what will remain in Chelsea?
Wouldn’t it be forward thinking of a well funded investor to partner with an inventive restauranteur and take over the dull spot , rename it waltons and reopen it as a lovely , convivial yet modern classic eatery ? Perhaps old school classics with a modern twist and a decent wine list ? One can dream ….
I agree. I never liked it but so many people I know seem to.
A classic English restaurant would be most welcome in the area in my view but no doubt the greedy landlord will turn it into another shoe shop that nobody will ever go to.
I loved it when it was Waltons, very romantic, sexy too! Matthew you know how I feel about what’s going all over Chelsea