Gourmet restaurant drops £40 signature dish

Hakkasan, one of the most talked about restaurants in London has removed its signature shark fin soup from its menu according to reports in The Independent newspaper.

A recent consumer backlash and increased media scrutiny has seen the ethical debate about shark fishing and finning grow more and more heated.

Sharks are seen as a symbol of wealth and stature in China and South East Asia and environmental campaigners have stepped up their protests in London's Chinatown, as it is here many restaurants feature shark on their menus.

Campaign director at Bite-Back Graham Buckingham explained why protesters are claiming Hakkasan's move as a victory for them: "This victory for the seas send out a determined and resolute message to the restaurant world. Sell shark-fin soup and be damned. The only reason shark populations are facing extinction is because of retail and consumer demand. Remove that demand and the shark fishing trade will collapse."

Activists are reported to be continuing their campaign against restaurants.

Despite the EU banning shark finning it is still currently legal to import and export fins anywhere worldwide.

Hakkasan, which is run by acclaimed chef Alan Yau, said there were many reasons the £40-a-bowl dish was removed from the menu but added that they wouldn't be giving any further reasons as to why.

Words: Clare Riley

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