Michelin-Starred Chef Jason Atherton Expands Abroad to Offset UK Tax Pressure

Jason Atherton, a Michelin‑starred chef from Sheffield, operates restaurants in Dubai, St Moritz and now Forte dei Marmi, Italy, where he prepares the opening of Maria’s at the Principessa hotel. He says the UK hospitality sector faces steep taxes that threaten profitability, prompting him to look abroad for relief while keeping a limited presence at home.

Atherton stated he is opening restaurants abroad to sustain his UK business and is adding only one new UK venue cautiously. UKHospitality estimates the expiry of Covid‑era reliefs will add roughly £32,000 in extra tax per average restaurant. UK restaurant VAT sits at 20 %, well above the European average of about 12 % and Italy’s rate of 10 %.

The shift reflects a broader trend where hospitality businesses seek lower‑tax jurisdictions to protect margins. Atherton’s approach may signal how other UK chefs and groups respond to fiscal pressures. Watch for further announcements of international openings and any UK policy changes that could affect restaurant taxation.