Robuchon's L'Atelier opens in London

Legendary French chef Joël Robuchon's first London restaurant opens tonight
(7 September) on the former site of the East@West eaterie in London's Covent Garden.

A decade after he originally retired from haute cuisine, Robuchon will open the more informal L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon next to the iconic Ivy restaurant on West Street, WC1.

Frederique Simonin, formerly head chef at La Table de Joël Robuchon in Paris, will head up the London kitchen as executive chef, cooking mainly French dishes with Spanish and Italian influences. The ground floor, 44-cover L'Atelier features Japanese-inspired layout, while on the first floor, La Cuisine de Joël Robuchon has a more traditional 60-seater restaurant overlooking the open-plan kitchen.

The 370-strong wine list focuses on France but will also feature other New World producers and 21 Champagne marques.

Both restaurants and a third-floor bar were designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon.

Robuchon, who is one of only a few chefs worldwide to have held six Michelin stars, has other restaurants in Paris, Tokyo, Las Vegas and New York.

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week -