Squatters have taken over the iconic San Lorenzo restaurant in Knightsbridge, once a favourite of Princess Diana and A-list celebrities. A group of around 15 people moved into the building on Beauchamp Place, which has been empty since it shut its doors during the pandemic. Neighbouring businesses are now concerned that a “piece of London history” will never be the same.
On Wednesday there was no answer at the door from those inside the building, but locals stopped to share their own fond memories of the former hotspot. “I used to come here as a young girl,” one woman said. “I could cry looking at it now.
Lady Diana and all the top actors used to come here. It was amazing and I can’t understand why they haven’t done anything with it.” The exclusive restaurant located steps away from Harrods and Harvey Nichols served the richest and most famous in its six decades of service.
Established in 1963 by Lorenzo and Mara Berni, the restaurant offered northern Italian dishes to customers. Its most famous customer was Lady Diana, who frequented the spot with her sons Prince William and Prince Harry on a regular basis. Other famous faces included Twiggy, who hosted her 21st birthday party at the spot, Margaret Thatcher, Kate Moss and Princess Margaret.
It is also on the royal route, with locals saying they spot the royal family drive along the road most days. The restaurant closed its doors during the pandemic and failed to reopen after lockdown. Now, a group who reporte.
