In just one week, approximately 500 cat figurines were reported stolen from Gordon Ramsay’s newly opened restaurant in London, according to the celebrity chef.
The 58-year-old restaurateur recently introduced Lucky Cat 22 Bishopsgate by Gordon Ramsay, situated in one of London’s tallest skyscrapers and featuring the popular maneki-neko, also known as beckoning cat figurines.
During an appearance on ITV’s The Jonathan Ross Show, Ramsay revealed that the restaurant had experienced a series of thefts. The celebrity chef, recognized for shows like Hell’s Kitchen and Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, remarked, “The cats are being taken. Last week alone, 477 went missing – each priced at £4.50.”
This translates to a financial loss of approximately £2,146.50 for the chef over a single week.
However, the City of London police stated that no theft reports had been filed from the restaurant.
In Japanese culture, the maneki-neko figurines are thought to bring good fortune, and they have been prominently featured in the Lucky Cat establishments.
Reflecting on his extensive global restaurant empire comprising over 80 venues, Ramsay expressed, “It can be quite daunting to consider its size and the influence it has worldwide. The team is exceptional, and there are some outstanding chefs involved.
“When I opened Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in 1998, I never envisioned it reaching this level – this year we marked 24 years with three Michelin stars.”
In addition, Ramsay shared with Ross that his daughter, Holly Ramsay, 25, and Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty, 30, are preparing for a “Christmas wedding.”
Although Peaty didn’t formally ask for his blessing, he did discuss the engagement with Ramsay. “He shared with me, ‘Holly is just the perfect woman. I’d like to ask for your and Tana’s blessing for her hand in marriage.’ That was a remarkable moment; silence enveloped the room. As a future son-in-law, I couldn’t have hoped for anyone better.”
The Jonathan Ross Show airs on Saturdays at 9:30 pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
