Since early summer, rumours have been circulating that top Manhattan chef Daniel Boulud would be joining Heston Blumenthal in opening a restaurant at London’s Mandarin Oriental hotel. Well this morning the hotel has finally confirmed the news.
Boulud will be taking over the hotel's Grill restaurant with his bistro and wine bar. Bar Boulud London is expected to open in Spring 2010.
In a press release issued by the Mandarin today, Boulud says: ‘With a partner like Mandarin Oriental, the prospect of coming to London was irresistible. I have been visiting family in London for decades and often thought about what kind of place I would open there.
‘As a French Chef who has made New York City my home for over 25 years, I have my own cross cultural approach. Bar Boulud was first conceived for New York City. This new restaurant will have New York’s energy and spirit, a little French soul and tradition - and - a touch of London style.’
Manhattan’s Bar Boulud opened in 2008 and focuses on French bistro cuisine. It is most famous for its charcuterie, pates and terrines. As with the Manhattan version, London’s Bar Boulud will also feature a charcuterie bar. There will be 165 seats and the room will be designed by Adam D Tihany. It will be open from 11am through to 2am.
Lyon-born Boulud, whose eponymous restaurant Daniel got three stars in the 2010 Michelin Guide, currently has 10 restaurants in Manhattan, Las Vegas, Palm Beach, Vancouver and Beijing.
