London Restaurants Introduce Booking Fees to Curb Reservation Squatting

Several renowned London eateries are adopting a policy of imposing fees per reservation to discourage practices such as reservation squatting. This trend has emerged as restaurants face increasing challenges related to cancellations and no-shows, with establishments reporting that automated booking systems and intermediaries have further exacerbated the problem.

In Mayfair, Gymkhana—a celebrated two-Michelin-starred Indian restaurant—now requires customers to pay a minimum fee of £100 when booking a table. The policy was established in response to a surge in last-minute cancellations and the exploitation of the reservation system by bots and resale websites after the restaurant's recent accolades.

Similarly, other establishments have introduced their own versions of this strategy. Hutong, located in Shard, charges an £80 fee for reservations on peak nights like Fridays and Saturdays, while Chutney Mary in St James’s has set a minimum spend of £60 per person to avoid experiences where large groups order minimal main dishes and numerous low-cost sides.

Owners across these venues express that the measures are intended to secure genuine patronage and protect the unique dining experience that drives their success. While some critics worry that such policies might deter potential influencers or detract from a welcoming atmosphere, the overall goal remains to safeguard the integrity of the reservation process amid surging demand and market pressures.