‘Dumb mistake’: Mayfair club Annabel’s gave managers bonus from staff service charge

Exclusive: Owner says private members venue is changing policy after revolt over division of pre-Christmas money

The restaurant tycoon Richard Caring has admitted his private members club Annabel’s made a “dumb mistake” after staff revolted over the use of more than £70,000 of their pre-Christmas service charge takings to pay managers’ bonuses.

Just one table of diners at the exclusive Mayfair venue, which has hosted celebrities, financiers and aristocrats ranging from Kate Moss and Harry Styles to the late queen, can spend more than £10,000 in an evening, according to workers.