London Restaurateur Addresses Unwanted Influencer Attention at Hyde Park Venue
Could one of London's most celebrated restaurateurs be considering restrictions on social media influencers? Jeremy King, the visionary behind iconic establishments including The Wolseley and the forthcoming relaunch of Simpson's in the Strand, has publicly addressed an unexpected surge of influencer activity at one of his newer ventures.
Unexpected Social Media Attention
In a recent newsletter communication shared via the Standard, King revealed that The Park restaurant, which he opened in 2024 near Hyde Park, has experienced unplanned visits from camera-wielding influencers in recent weeks. The restaurateur admitted this development took his team completely by surprise, noting "we do not spend a lick of time on TikTok."
However, digitally-savvy members of his staff informed him that both The Park and its restroom facilities were trending on social media platforms, prompting immediate action. King stated: "We take this very seriously, and have already addressed the matter... with the appropriate parties."
Protocols Implemented to Protect Dining Experience
The restaurant has now established specific protocols designed to minimise potential disruption to other diners' meals. King assured patrons: "You will not end up in the background of anyone's Reel." While stopping short of declaring The Park a mobile-free zone, the restaurateur issued a clear warning about excessive filming setups.
"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," King added, suggesting that more restrictive measures could follow if the situation escalates.
Jeremy King's Culinary Legacy
Jeremy King first made his mark on London's dining scene as part of the renowned Corbin & King partnership with Chris Corbin, having previously worked together at legendary establishments Joe Allen's and Langan's Brasserie. Their collaboration led to the acquisition of Le Caprice and The Ivy, followed by the creation of multiple celebrated venues including The Delaunay, Brasserie Zédel, Colbert, Fischer's, Bellanger and Soutine.
Now operating through Jeremy King Restaurants, the hospitality veteran opened Arlington on the former Le Caprice site in Mayfair alongside The Park in 2024. His next major project involves the highly anticipated reopening of Simpson's in the Strand, a historic dining establishment dating back to 1828, scheduled for next month.
This development highlights the ongoing tension between traditional restaurant culture and the modern influencer economy, particularly within London's competitive fine dining landscape where atmosphere and customer experience remain paramount.
