Chelsea institution Poissonnerie de l’Avenue to close after 53 years in business on 24th May
On Sunday, after an astounding 53 years in business, the Chelsea restaurant Poissonnerie de l’Avenue will close for good.
A favourite of everyone from Dame Mary Quant to Sir Roger Moore and owned and run by Peter Rosignoli and his family since 1964, this Sloane Avenue institution was famed for superb service as much as its fine seafood.
Two stories to keep beside you
Moving on: January 2014
Restaurant openings and closings in Chelsea this month
Choyed and choked
Chelsea institution Choys closes it doors after 61 years in business Choys restaurant opened on the Kings Road in 1952 and closed for the final time earlier this month. Its passing marks yet another death knell for what gives Chelsea its character.
Variously marketed at prices between £8 and £18 million in recent years, it is believed the entire freehold property will be entirely redeveloped. Another nail in Chelsea’s coffin has just been administered.
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Readers have their say
13 comments
This is a tragedy, one of my favourite places in Chelsea since my childhood. They have welcomed me and my dogs with open arms and delicious food throughout my life. What a pity.
Another Chelsea landmark gone
oh it is heart breaking ! this is an “Institution: and and famous people from all over the world, will lamenting and saying the same,
“Peter ‘s wonderful restaurant and in our opinion the Best Fish Restaurant in London has gone.
Eileen Spence EDITOR London Hotel Magazine, Good life Magazine and London Hotel Magazine website
Oh it looks heavenly. How can this happen after 53 years!!?? What a waste. I suppose yet another apartment for yet another arab to buy!! I love fish restaurants and Eileens’ comments above are really valid points as she clearly knows what determines a top quality fish restaurant. Chelsea really is eating itself dry of wonderful eateries and fine boutiques.
So sad to see this place is closing. It’s an institution and you’re always guaranteed a good meal there. We will be drowning our sorrows there tomorrow night. I don’t know of another restaurant in London that does fish as well as them.
Unbelievable……….How very very sad. Damn!
No doubt the building has been bought by the Qatari’s who will make it into a life zapping, dull apartment block, we will be called the United Kingdon of Qatar soon. Everything personal and special is disappearing in Cheslea, Cafe Rouge, Poisonnerie, Le Brasserie will be next…
i have worked in the fish shop when i was a student in the 90s. I have very good memories of the fish shop and the restaurant, and above all Mr, Peter his wife and kids. I used to take fish home after work.
it was fun. sorry the shop has closed now. Sad … it will properly be replace by expensive flats owned by people who have nothing to do with Chelsea.
sad.
I have been a regular visitor for 25 years. I didn’t know it had closed till last week. So sad but I wish Peter a well earned rest. To the staff a big thank you also
I’ve always had a least a dinner at this wonderful restaurant every time I’ve been in London since the mid-1970’s, and had just arranged with some relatives from Brighton to have lunch there next week when I went into the restaurant’s website and learned the bad news. I really am saddened by the news. Wonderful hospitality and staff, very good food, nice wine list, very nice décor. But after 50 plus years, the owner is entitled to a rest, and to his credit, he didn’t try to capitalise on his goodwill by selling it to a stranger. I wish the best for Peter with a well-deserved rest.
So very sad, Peter – I just got to know. As from 1978 when I first set foot I used to dine or lunch several times every month till 1989 when I moved abroad. Even so whenever in London it usually was my first port of call.
Thank you so very much Peter for many heavenly memories of your food and service, the best fish restaurant in the world!
Kindest regards
Rune Roth
I was a young waitress there in 2009, just arrived from France and I had the best training ever with an incredible staff. We learnt so much how to serve people and to respect the quality of fresh food, it was the same atmosphere like in France adding the British fine touch.
I wish you Peter a good rest that you well deserve and will never forget all the tips you gave me… The therminador lobster was such a délice.
Encore bravo pour tout!
Aurélie
Just seen this. Started going in the 60s when there was a single room with a bar and grill, a few tables and the loos.
Very many happy memories. Thank you Peter and the team. Enjoy whatever comes next. Best wishes