D&D London’s Bluebird to close for six-week revamp

The historical site at 350 King’s Road – which was originally the home of the Bluebird Motor Company in 1923 ‒ is set to receive a re-design from designers Sagrada, who created Mayfair D&D restaurant Sartoria, and creative members’ club The Arts Club. The new décor will aim to reflect the building’s history, with its original steel atrium frame set to be a bright red colour in a nod to its engineering past.

There will also be new menus from head chef Liam Smith-Laing, whose career has included time at Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s, with Marcus Wareing at the Savoy Grill and at Pétrus, and as head chef at D&D London’s Skylon.

The chef then spent time at La Petite Maison in Istanbul, before returning to the UK as part of the launch team for the group’s 100 Wardour Street venture. His new menus will aim to be simple and fresh, using good quality ingredients in a modern European style, alongside an extensive wine list and original cocktails.

The new interior design will also be a central, illuminated, marble-topped bar, while the dining room will have trees, climbing plants, wild flowers, grasses and herbs, plus custom-made furniture and textiles from designer Celia Birtwell.

Des Gunewardena, chief executive and chairman of D&D London, 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 it a new look and an exciting new food direction. This is a major investment for us.”

Global group D&D London has a host of restaurants and a hotel on its books, including Orrery, The Modern Pantry, Plateau, Quaglino’s, Cantina del Ponte, Coq D’Argent, the German Gymnasium, Angler, and Le Pont de La Tour in London, and Angelica in Leeds.