Chelsea Restaurant Elystan Street Targeted by 'Langoustine Lady' in Delivery Theft

Chelsea Restaurant Elystan Street Targeted by 'Langoustine Lady' in Delivery Theft

Chef Patron Phil Howard has shared CCTV footage of a bizarre early-morning theft at his Michelin-starred restaurant, Elystan Street, in Chelsea. The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, around 8:00 a.m., when an unknown woman targeted the establishment's fresh food delivery.

In the footage, which has since gone viral on social media platforms, a woman is seen approaching the front entrance of the restaurant where the morning delivery had been left. She carefully selects a box containing approximately £300 worth of fresh langoustines and walks away. The theft occurred just minutes before staff arrived to open the kitchen.

Chef Howard posted the security footage online to warn other restaurateurs in the London area about the thief, who has been dubbed the 'langoustine lady' or the 'fine-dining bandit' by social media users. 'It’s incredibly frustrating,' Howard stated. 'These are premium products, and we work hard to source them. To have them stolen off the doorstep is a real blow, especially during the busy run-up to the festive period.'

Industry insiders suggest the theft was highly targeted, with the suspect demonstrating specific knowledge of delivery schedules and the value of gourmet ingredients. The Metropolitan Police have been informed, and anyone with information regarding the suspect is urged to contact local authorities.