Leading restaurateur James Robson has revealed that some of London’s top restaurants are expanding into the Gulf states, particularly Dubai, due to a "tax tsunami" in the UK and a more favorable work ethic abroad. Robson, co-owner of Fallow in St James’s Market, which serves 1,000 people a day, has recently signed a deal to open an outpost in the Gulf.
Expansion of UK Restaurants in Dubai
Several renowned restaurants have already established branches in Dubai, including:
- Scott’s from Mayfair, a celebrity hotspot
- Gymkhana, a two Michelin-starred Indian venue
- Park Chinois, an upscale Chinese restaurant
- Isabel’s, a Mayfair institution popular among politicians, now in Abu Dhabi
- Bread Ahead, a trendy bakery from Borough Market that has also branched out in Dubai
Despite ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, such as the US-Israeli war in Iran, which led to bombardments and an exodus of expats earlier this year, the restaurant scene in Dubai continues to thrive.
Robson's Perspective on Global Opportunities
Speaking from Hong Kong, where he is exploring opportunities in Asia, Robson stated:
“"East Asia, the States and the Gulf are key growth targets for us. America champions business, the Gulf actively encourages and assists, whilst east Asia has a work ethic and taxation system that puts the UK to shame. I’m incredibly keen to start working in these regions over the next few years."
Fallow has gained popularity partly through social media, boasting 650,000 followers on Instagram, thanks to its visually striking dishes, including a whole cod’s head drenched in spicy butter sauce.
