Chelsea’s little black books will be all aflutter in a few weeks time with the grand re-opening of the iconic Bluebird restaurant.
Following a glamorous head-to-toe makeover, the popular eatery officially re-opens to the public on Thursday September 22nd.
Bluebird has been closed since August 1st, and is currently undergoing an extensive new re-design by Sagrada (designers of Sartoria and The Arts Club), which respectfully celebrates the building’s history as the first garage of the Bluebird Motor Company in 1923.
The original steel frame of the atrium will be a bold red accentuating its engineering heritage, whilst the dining room will be softened with mature trees, climbing plants, wild flowers, grasses and herbs.
A centrally illuminated bar topped with marble will allow guests to see and be seen. A sense of Britishness comes through via custom-made furniture and the sharp-eye of textile designer Celia Birtwell, with fabrics and textures that nod to English racing.
Chef Liam Smith-Laing’s new menus at Bluebird will feature simple, fresh and honest dishes inspired by the best of Modern European cooking, made using the finest ingredients. The menu will contain both small plates and larger sharing dishes reflecting Bluebird’s sociable and buzzy vibe.
Liam built his reputation at a number of leading restaurants including Gordon Ramsay at Claridges, 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 made the move 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 wine list has been well considered with an emphasis on Sparkling, English and Natural wines, with a large selection available by the glass, and bottles from the Old and New World divided by style rather than region.
The bar 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, told Luxury Lifestyle Magazine: “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.”
