Celebrity haunt Langan’s Brasserie ‘is on the brink of collapse’ after Covid pandemic 

Famous 1980s celebrity haunt Langan’s Brasserie is on the brink of administration with up to 100 jobs at risk, according to reports.

The London restaurant, which was opened in 1976 under then-co-owners Michael Caine and restaurateur Peter Langan, has filed a legal document stating its intention to bring in administrators.

The Mayfair eatery, once frequented by famous faces such as boxer Muhammad Ali, actor Marlon Brando, and The Rolling Stones lead man Mick Jagger, had closed in March following the coronavirus outbreak.

It did not reopen following the loosening of coronavirus restrictions, with staff retained under the government’s Job Retention Scheme – set to end this month.

But according to the Guardian, employees at the brasserie, in Stratton Street, have now been told their jobs are at risk.

Famous 1980s celebrity haunt Langan’s Brasserie is on the brink of administration with up to 100 jobs at risk, according to reports

The Mayfair eatery, once frequented by famous faces such as boxer Muhammad Ali, actor Marlon Brando, and The Rolling Stones lead man Mick Jagger, had closed in March following the coronavirus outbreak

The Mayfair eatery, once frequented by famous faces such as boxer Muhammad Ali, actor Marlon Brando, and The Rolling Stones lead man Mick Jagger, had closed in March following the coronavirus outbreak

The restaurant, on Stratton Street, was popular among celebrities.  Here Rod Stewart is seen at the brasserie in 1989 with then girlfriend Kelly Emberg

The restaurant, on Stratton Street, was popular among celebrities.  Here Rod Stewart is seen at the brasserie in 1989 with then girlfriend Kelly Emberg

The London restaurant, which was opened in 1976 under then-co-owners Michael Caine (pictured) and restaurateur Peter Langan, has filed a legal document stating its intention to bring in administrators

The London restaurant, which was opened in 1976 under then-co-owners Michael Caine (pictured) and restaurateur Peter Langan, has filed a legal document stating its intention to bring in administrators

Langan's Brasserie was famous for its with original artwork, a change in lighting, live jazz and a famously relaxed atmosphere - with no dress code

Langan’s Brasserie was famous for its with original artwork, a change in lighting, live jazz and a famously relaxed atmosphere – with no dress code

The restaurant has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators. The move is a legal measure that provides 10 working days of protection from creditors, allowing advisers to examine options for the business, the paper reports. 

Richard Caring, owner of The Ivy restaurant, could be among the rescuers understood to be in discussion with Begbies Traynor, a financial advisory firm, who could become an administrator, the paper adds.

However one source told the Guardian that finding a buyer could be a struggle, saying: ‘How can they [restaurants like Langans] survive without regular visitors from out of town who want a relaxing long lunch or dinner?

‘Those people are not around any more. 

Many famous faces have eaten at Langan's over the years. Pictured here are Marie Helvin and Jerry Hall

Many famous faces have eaten at Langan’s over the years. Pictured here are Marie Helvin and Jerry Hall 

Other big names to have been pictured at the famous brasserie are former Chelsea captain John Terry

Actor Dustin Hoffman and his wife Lisa attended a New Years Eve Party at Langan's Brasserie in 1982

Other big names to have been pictured at the famous brasserie are former Chelsea captain John Terry (left). Actor Dustin Hoffman and his wife Lisa (right) attended a New Years Eve Party at Langan’s Brasserie in 1982

Langan’s Brasserie: The joint venture of an English actor and an Irish restuaranter that became a haunt for the rich and famous 

The restaurant opened in 1976 as a joint venture between actor Sir Michael Caine and Irish restaurant Peter Langan.

Langan moved from Ireland to London in the 1960s, starting his catering career at Odin’s in Devonshire Street.

But, according to the restaurant’s website, he had grander dreams, wanting to bring the Parisian cafe culture to London.

Michael Caine. Richard Shepherd and Peter Langan together in 1981

Michael Caine. Richard Shepherd and Peter Langan together in 1981

He teamed up with Sir Michael to transform Le Coq d’Or into Langan’s Brasserie, with original artwork, a change in lighting, live jazz and a famously relaxed atmosphere – with no dress code.

A year later, in 1976, they were joined by Richard Shepherd, the former head chef of the Michelin-starred Capital Hotel in London.

Shepherd, who still owns an interest in the business, created a menu that the restaurant still boasts today has ‘changed very little’ in almost 40 years. 

The restaurant soon became a hit and by the mid-1980s was a famous haunt for many big name stars.

These include Elizabeth Taylor, Jack Nicholson and David Hockney – the latter of which helped design the menus turning them into collectors’ pieces.

‘London has been crippled and on the course we are on it could take a decade or more for it to recover.’

The restaurant opened in 1976 as a joint venture between actor Sir Michael Caine and Irish restaurant Peter Langan.

Langan moved from Ireland to London in the 1960s, starting his catering career at Odin’s in Devonshire Street.

But, according to the restaurant’s website, he had grander dreams, wanting to bring the Parisian cafe culture to London.

He teamed up with Sir Michael to transform Le Coq d’Or into Langan’s Brasserie, with original artwork, a change in lighting, live jazz and a famously relaxed atmosphere – with no dress code.

A year later, in 1976, they were joined by Richard Shepherd, the former head chef of the Michelin-starred Capital Hotel in London.

Shepherd, who still owns an interest in the business, created a menu that the restaurant still boasts today has ‘changed very little’ in almost 40 years. 

With its signature dish of spinach soufflé with anchovy sauce, the restaurant soon became a hit.

By the mid-1980s it was a famous haunt for many big name stars.

These include Elizabeth Taylor, Jack Nicholson and David Hockney – the latter of which helped design the menus turning them into collectors’ pieces.

Other artists to feature including Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon and Gerald Moira. 

In 2018, a sketch by David Hockney for the menu of Langan’s Brasserie was reportedly expected to fetch £500,000 after the veteran actor put it up for sale.

The 1977 drawing, in coloured pencils and crayon, showed Caine with co-owners Peter Langan and Richard Shepherd at their Mayfair restaurant.

Langan died died at the age of 47 in December 1988, several weeks after a fire at his home in Essex which he is alleged to have started himself.

Langan’s name was retained by the restaurant and Richard Shepherd subsequently bought Michael Caine’s share of the company to become the sole owner of Langan’s Brasserie.

As chain, the business expanded to other sites, including Langan’s Bistro in Paston Place, Brighton, which has since closed.

Another Langan’s Brasserie was opened in 1986 by Langan in, Essex, near his home.

In July 1998, Richard Shepherd opened Langan’s Coq d’Or in Earls Court, which is now operating as Rocca restaurant.

MailOnline has contacted Langan’s for a comment.

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