Bluebird in Chelsea, owned by D&D London is to undergo a £2m refurbishment during August and will reopen this September.
Located in the garage built for the Bluebird Motor Company in 1923, the new interior is being designed by Sagrada (designers of Sartoria, the Arts Club etc) with menus from newly appointed Executive Head Chef, Liam Smith-Laing.
The original architectural steelwork frame within the atrium will be coated in a red oxide paint and will be wrapped in climbing plants whilst wild flowers, grasses and herbs will be recessed into the back of banquettes to create the sense of an indoor English garden. The new marble-topped bar will continue to be located centrally allowing the bar and bar team to remain an integral part of the venue.
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 diverse mix of fabrics and textures from British textile designer Celia Birtwell.
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.
Smith-Laing 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 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.'