But only temporarily as his two Chelsea restaurants are being bought out by ‘an investor’ after going into administration on Friday.
Aikens, who also had to close his Chelsea fish and chip shop Tom’s Place (yawn) because the neighbours objected to the smell of chip fat, claims that business was down around 15 per cent and there was no demand for “private dining”, having your own room presumably.
But he’s still cooking although many of his unpaid suppliers are up in arms (but certain to remain poorer).
Celeb chefs pride themselves on buying from small, quality producers who are no doubt flattered to be asked to service these temples of gastronomy. There’ll be a few others wondering about the fortunes of their invoices as the credit crunch takes a large bite out of the new restaurant establishment.
With even modest meals in upscale London restaurants coming in at £100 a head (with a glass of wine if you’re lucky) Aikens won’t be the first chef cum tycoon to hit the buffers.
He’s just lucky that he managed to find someone to bankroll him a second time.