Celebrety chef Mr Conrad Gallagher has had his contract with London restaurant 179 Shaftesbury Avenue terminated by the Mean Fiddler Music Group.
The group did not give a reason for terminating - without compensation - the contract, but said the restaurant would continue with the remainder of its staff. Mr Gallagher was engaged as a consultant at the restaurant, which bore his name until recently. The head of the Mean Fiddler group, Mr Vince Power, said: "Whilst I regret the decision to end Conrad's contract, I am confident of the continued success of 179 Shaftesbury Avenue." The restaurant has been trading since last August, but attracted some negative reviews in the British press. The most recent, in the Daily Telegraph, was headlined: "One of the worst meals of my life".
Several messages were left for Mr Gallagher last night but he could not be reached. He has suffered several setbacks in the last few years, and currently faces charges relating to the theft of paintings worth €10,158 from Dublin restaurant Peacock All- ey. He denies the charges, saying they result from a misunderstanding. Several of his businesses have experienced serious financial difficulties.