Could one of London’s most famous restaurateurs soon ban influencers?

Don’t like it when you’re in a restaurant and the next table suddenly starts an impromptu social media shoot, making you an unsuspecting star in someone else’s content? It seems legendary restaurateur Jeremy King doesn’t care for it either.

The restaurateur behind The Wolseley – as well as the soon-set-to-relaunch Simpson’s in the Strand – has addressed the influx of influencers at The Park, which he opened in 2024 by Hyde Park.

Writing in a newsletter (via the Standard) he commented: ‘In recent weeks, The Park has been subject to unexpected visits by camera-wielding influencers. This has taken us completely by surprise, probably because we do not spend a lick of time on TikTok. But some of our digitally-oriented team members have shared that The Park and its restrooms are trending.’

He added: ‘We take this very seriously, and have already addressed the matter… with the appropriate parties. In the meantime we have implemented protocols to minimise any potential disruption of your meal, and can assure you that you will not end up in the background of anyone’s Reel.’

Does this mean influencers have been banned from The Park? It’s not entirely clear, but it certainly sounds like words have been had. ‘We are not quite ready to declare The Park a mobile-free zone, but if another young lady shows up with a three-person camera crew, makeup artist and vanity mirror, we’ll have no choice but to reconsider our position,’ he added.

Jeremy King made his name as part of restaurant group Corbin & King, which he formed with Chris Corbin, who he worked with at legendary London restaurants Joe Allen’s and Langan’s Brasserie. The pair went on to acquire Le Caprice and The Ivy, before opening The Delaunay, Brasserie Zédel, Colbert, Fischer’s, Bellanger and Soutine.

King now runs Jeremy King Restaurants, opening Arlington on the Mayfair site of Le Caprice in 2024 along with The Park. He is set to open the historic Simpson’s in the Strand, which dates back to 1828, next month. 

The 50 best restaurants in London, according to Time Out.