Legendary Fulham restaurant Blue Elephant is closing down to be replaced by a branch of Whole Foods – adding to the town's growing number of high-end food retailers.
American firm Whole Foods – which specialises in organic produce – has taken out a lease on the 22,000 sq ft home of Blue Elephant in Fulham Broadway, and is set to open next year.
It will join the town's stable of top-end food shops, which include Union Market, Waitrose and quality butchers including Randall's and Parsons Nose.
Union Market, which opened in July last year, says Whole Foods' arrival is good news for the town's growing reputation as a food destination.
Retail operations manager James Thompson said: "We think it's positive and we welcome them. This town is becoming more of a foodies' area all the time and competition is good. We're relaxed about it."
He added that, although both firms cater for the high-end of the market, they are very different businesses.
"We focus on local British produce, while they are a big American corporation, and we sell hot food in our cafe and restaurant.
"It might make us focus even more on that arm of the business but our ethos will stay the same."
Shoppers in Fulham Broadway welcomed the addition. Marketing assistant Clare Ruckley, 25, from Fulham Palace Road said: "It's great – the more choice the better. It all adds to the impression that the town area is on the up."
James Darling, 30, from Hammersmith, agreed but said he was sad to see Blue Elephant go. "I've had some great meals in there. But I like Whole Foods and it'll be good to have one in Fulham."
Whole Foods, which has several stores in London, including in Kensington High Street, opened in the UK four years ago and reported profit for the first time this year.
Blue Elephant has been trading in Fulham Broadway for 25 years and has earned a loyal following due its exotic décor of plants and fountains.
No one from the restaurant was available for comment.
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