A slowdown in the central London restaurant market has persuaded the founder of Aberdeen Steakhouses to sell prime outlets for the first time.
Ali Salih, who set up the Aberdeen and Angus Steakhouse chains in the 1970s, has sold three of his 45 West End restaurants. A source close to the deal said: “Salih never sells, but they are not all trading well. He may get rid of one or two more.”
Starbucks, the rapidly expanding coffee chain, is taking two W1 outlets: 425 Oxford Street, opposite Selfridges, and the restaurant in Queen’s House on Leicester Square’s north side.
McDonald’s is taking the third, in Regent Street. Salih will be left with four outlets in Oxford Street, two in Leicester Square and one in Regent Street.
The leases have been assigned and Aberdeen Steakhouses has received a combined premium of around £2m.
Conway Relf acted for McDonald’s, while Dalgleish represents Aberdeen Steakhouses.
