Motcombs Mayfair closes abruptly, ending a short-lived run after five months
Motcombs Mayfair, a high-profile restaurant located on Pollen Street, has closed its doors just five months after its grand opening in April 2025. The sudden closure has been attributed to low footfall and the burden of high rents, according to those involved with the restaurant.
A notice dated August 26, 2025, was recently displayed at the venue, revealing that the site’s landlord had reclaimed possession of the property. The notice further stated that any items left in the restaurant must be removed by September 17, 2025. This unanticipated shutdown marks the end of a brief chapter for the 65-cover restaurant, which operated in the former site of Pollen Street Social.
Kenneth Anderson, listed as a company director and the father of the restaurant group’s owner, Ross Anderson, provided insight into the decision to close. Speaking to The Caterer, he explained, "After three months’ trading, it was so poor for us. We decided to cut our losses and move out. The landlord wanted to issue new leases to us, we just decided not to [and] cut our losses and walk away."
The restaurant faced challenges that proved insurmountable, including reduced customer traffic attributed to nearby construction activities, as well as significant rental costs. Despite these struggles, Anderson maintained a matter-of-fact approach when addressing reports of unpaid suppliers, stating, "If any suppliers think we owe them money, they’ve got my number, they can always contact me."
The closure comes after the brand’s initial optimism for its Mayfair venture. At the time of the restaurant’s launch, Ross Anderson had expressed enthusiasm about the endeavor, stating, "We’re really excited to be opening this new style Motcombs in Mayfair. We wanted to create a space for everyone that celebrates the traditions of Motcombs Belgravia whilst offering a more modern finesse."
Motcombs Mayfair was the third restaurant for the group, whose history dates back to the opening of its first site in Belgravia in 1982. However, the Belgravia venue shuttered in February, leaving the St John’s Wood restaurant, which opened last year, as the group’s sole remaining location.
As the dust settles on this short-lived chapter, the abrupt end of Motcombs Mayfair highlights the challenges faced by restaurants navigating London’s competitive dining scene and rising operational costs.