London’s iconic Café de Paris venue set to close after 96 years
coronavirus pandemic forced the move, according to The Times.“Despite hope that December would generate a much-needed upturn in trading income, it was apparent low customer numbers, uncertainty surrounding trading, and mounting creditors and rent arrears left the company with no alternative,” the company said.Maxwell’s is controlled by Guards Polo Club chairman Brian Stein, 77, who bought Café de Paris in 2002.After originally opening in 1924, the iconic venue initially stayed open following the start of the Second World War, when its manager promoted it as the “safest and gayest restaurant in town, being 20ft below ground”.The club was forced to close between 1941 and 1948, however, after sustaining major damage during the Blitz.