Boulestin, St James's Street, London - 10 September
Named after legendary French chef Marcel Boulestin, this St James' Street restaurant from former Conran Restaurants director Joel Kissin takes its inspiration from the original Boulestin which stood on Covent Garden's Southampton Street from 1927 to 1994.
Kissin told BigHospitality he was not looking to recreate the restaurant but instead represent the cooking philosophy of the man behind it. "I never went to the original restaurant," he explained. "I am not trying to copy or emulate the original; these are different times so stylistically it will certainly be very different.
"Although Boulestin liked food that was not French, I think he did serve mostly French food in the restaurant and it will be the same in that regard here. I think it might be just a little bit simpler for today's tastes."
Boulestin now comprises a 60-cover restaurant that serves a predominantly French menu. Designed by hospitality specialists Design LSM, the dining room leads onto a courtyard surrounded by period buildings. The original gas street lamps provide an atmospheric space in which to dine al fresco.
Boulestin, St James's Street, London - 10 September.