Guilbaud reports increase in profit

RESTAURANT PATRICK Guilbaud, one of Dublin’s most celebrated restaurants, continues to trade profitably through the recession, new figures show.

Accounts just filed for the restaurant, Ireland’s only venue to hold two Michelin stars, show its accumulated profits increased from €184,427 to €201,630 in the year to the end of August last – an increase of €17,203.

The business, registered as Becklock, also recorded a profit in 2009. The abridged accounts provide very limited information as Becklock Ltd is a small company, but director Stephane Robin said yesterday he was happy with how the business performed last year.

The 18-table restaurant, located beside Dublin’s exclusive Merrion Hotel, includes a private dining room.

“We have worked through a number of recessions – 1987 and 1991 for instance – so we just keep our head down and try to do our best,” said Mr Robin.

“Survival is the name of the game at the moment, but we’ll be okay. It is not easy, but we are doing what we like to do.”

Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud was established in 1981 and has retained its two Michelin stars since 1996. It moved to its current location from St James’s Place in 1997.

Mr Robin said that the restaurant’s revenues this year have been on the same level as last year.

“For the last three years, we have been breaking even. We didn’t lose money last year. We have a lot of costs and bills that are still very high.”

Mr Robin said that he was “very positive for next year” because of the many events planned for the National Conference Centre and because of efforts to bring visitors to Dublin.

“Everyone is doing their bit.”