Is there any point to restaurant dress codes at all in 2022?
telegraph.co.ukdidn’t adhere to the dress code.“Diners who favour restaurants at the luxury end of the market do so on the understanding a smart dress code is common practice,” says Antony Rettie, co-founder of AKA Communications which represents restaurants including Hakkasan, Yauatcha and Oblix at the Shard. “Those who enjoy sceney dining rooms are often doing business, or celebrating a special occasion, a part of which involves taking pleasure in dressing up.”On the other hand, the Soho House group of members’ clubs and hotels is famous for its ‘no suits’ policy, which requires guests not to wear a tie, in order to preserve the relaxed ambience of its dining spaces, which are largely used by people in the creative industries, and adhered to with some enthusiasm.Personal stylist Annabel Hodin says that while sexist diktats are never acceptable, dressing appropriately for a venue does demonstrate respect - not just for the restaurant but other diners too. ‘Every restaurant which goes to the trouble to make itself attractive to its customers hopes that you in return make an effort,’ she says.
And we should embrace the opportunity to do so, she adds: ‘After being unable to socialise in bars or cafes for so long, it makes you feel good to go that extra mile.’On the other hand, restaurants have never needed more support and the idea of turning away customers because they’re wearing the wrong shoes seems like madness.
I went out for dinner with friends the other night at a hipper-than-hip Notting Hill restaurant, and guests were wearing all sorts: jeans and trainers, cosy jumpers, but also miniskirts, faux fur and platform heels.
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