The activism’s off ... restaurant staff kick out eco mob

WAITRESSES unceremoniously dumped environmental protesters into the street after co- ordinated demonstrations at two top restaurants.

Members of Animal Rebellion – a vegan offshoot of Extinction Rebellion – targeted celebrity steakhouse Nusr- Et in London’s Knightsbridge and Mana, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Manchester.

Nusr-Et charges up to £1,450 for a steak covered in gold leaf and is a favourite of stars such as David Beckham and Leonardo DiCaprio.

The worldwide chain is run by Turkish butcher and chef Salt Bae, 39, real name Nusret Gokce, who became an online hit for his apparently unique salt-sprinkling technique. On Saturday night, eight Animal Rebellion protesters sat down at unoccupied tables.

In place of Nusr- Et’s usual menus, they held their own demanding subsidies to help farming and fishing move away from meat and urging the promotion of plant- based foods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Although police were called, staff acted in advance, appearing to pick up the protesters and carry them out into the street.

One activist said afterwards: ‘I’m not sure they’re allowed to do that.’ Another Orin Cooley-Green, 21, added that the removal was ‘tougher than police would do it’.

Student Ben Thomas, 20, said: ‘Customers clapped as we were picked up and taken outside. Restaurants like these are symbolic of a broken system.

‘Whilst two million people rely on food banks in the UK, influencer chefs are selling gold-plated steaks. Red meats carry the highest environmental impact.’

At the same time at Mana, in Manchester’s Ancoats district, 16 smartly dressed Animal Rebellion protesters sat down to stage an identical protest The group said it targeted the restaurant, which is run by chef Simon Martin and offers a set menu costing from £195 per person, because it does not serve vegan food.

It is understood the protesters were forced to leave by police.

The Greater Manchester force said it arrested 14 people on suspicion of aggravated trespass, who have been released on bail pending further inquiries. In London, the Metropolitan Police said activists left before officers arrived and no arrests were made.

Last night Mr Martin said he was confused as to why the protesters disrupted a restaurant that ‘prioritises sustainability and animal welfare instead of a corporate fast-food chain’.

Nusr-Et and Salt Bae were contacted for comment. An Animal Rebellion spokesman said the protests would continue.