D&D London re-launches Quaglino’s
The restaurant, which first opened in 1929, has been completely remodelled and redesigned by Russell Sage Studio. It has a new executive chef Mickael Weiss and the team has put together a reinvigorated programme of bespoke live music performances and events in the evenings.
The restaurant itself will have 240 covers and will serve European dished using British ingredients. The venue will also have a stage and can accommodate up to 500 people standing.
Chief executive of D&D London Des Gunewardena said:"It's remarkable to think that when Quaglino's first opened, Londoners were dancing the Charleston and King George V was on the throne. The place has history and when we re-launch Quaglino’s this October, I hope that it will be the beginning of a new chapter of fun, excitement and stories for another generation of Londoners.”
Décor
The redesign by Russell Sage Studio has seen a more modern touch, through which the signature staircase, main restaurant, balcony bar and mezzanine dining areas have been restored. A cocktail bar has been added to the centre of the site, and a stage has been put up for musical performances.
The Art Deco feel of the restaurant has been maintained though, while furniture and colours chosen are intended to reflect the age when the venue was first opened.
Owner of Russell Sage Studios Russell Sage said: "We are thrilled to have been engaged in this special project, to revisit the rich heritage of London's Quaglino's restaurant and breathe new life into it so that the next generation of Quaglino’s devotees can discover it’s special hospitality magic.”
Dining and drinks
Executive chef Weiss will put together a contemporary menu which mixes classic European dishes with more exotic flavours from elsewhere. Dishes on offer include Slow-cooked Pyrenean lamb shoulder with spiced spinach, Marcona almonds with parsley and goat’s curd, and Pan-fried south coast cod with artichoke puree and a vegetable and saffron cassoulet.
“The menu will reflect the elegance and glamour of Quaglino’s iconic heritage, with a range of contemporary European dishes to appeal to everyone,” explained managing director of D&D London David Loewi.
The venue will include two bars, both of which will serve drinks that nod to the 1930s when Quaglino’s was first opened. There will be a focus on classic and champagne cocktails, and a wine list of 300 varieties listed by ‘style’ rather than the country they come from.
Late night experience
In the evenings Quaglino’s will be turned into a venue for entertainment, featuring both DJs and bands, with music from the past as well as popular tunes from the moment. The venue will see a new sound system put in for this purpose.
Quaglino’s will offer free entry to the public, and will be open into the early hours of the morning on Friday and Saturday nights.
