Bluebird Chelsea to undergo £2m refurbishment
Bluebird restaurant in Chelsea, owned by D&D London, is to undergo a £2m refurbishment, and has also appointed Liam Smith-Laing executive head chef.
The restaurant and bar in west London is to undergo the refurbishment this month and reopen in September.
Smith-Laing's new menus at Bluebird will feature simple dishes inspired by modern European cooking, both small plates and larger sharing dishes. He built his reputation at restaurants including Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's, Marcus Wareing at the Savoy Grill and Pétrus, taking his first head chef position at D&D London's Skylon on the Southbank. He then moved to La Petite Maison in Istanbul, returning to launch D&D London's new venture in Soho, 100 Wardour St, before his appointment at Bluebird.
The new interior is being designed by Sagrada, which plans to coat the original architectural steelwork frame within the atrium in red oxide paint and wrap them with climbing plants. Wild flowers, grasses and herbs will be recessed into the back of banquettes.
The refurbishment increases the number of covers in the bar and restaurant from 230 to 248 with painted timber screens with layered motifs creating areas of intimacy. The entire scheme features custom-made furniture and fabrics and textures from British textile designer Celia Birtwell.
The wine list has been well considered with an emphasis on sparkling, English and natural wines, and bottles from the old and new world divided by style rather than region. The new marble-topped bar will continue to be located centrally and will serve experimental and limited edition cocktails with the heritage of the building informing the selection.
Bluebird will continue to offer four private dining rooms as well as a dedicated events space.
Chief executive and chairman of D&D London, Des Gunewardena, said: "Bluebird has been and continues to be one of our most successful venues.
However ahead of its 20th anniversary we thought it would be a good time to give Bluebird a new look and an exciting new food direction. This is a major investment for us and one which I hope will reinforce Bluebird's position as one of London's most iconic restaurants."
James Durrant who was appointed executive head chef of the restaurant in February has now left the position.
James Durrant joins Bluebird Chelsea as executive head chef >>
Gordon Ramsay Group F&B director returns to D&D London >>
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