The Iconic Quaglino's Reopens This October

Quaglino’s, the iconic restaurant and late-night venue in the heart of London’s Mayfair St James’s, is set to re-open its doors in October 2014 following a full-scale, multi-million pound renovation, complemented by a contemporary European menu from new Executive Chef Mickael Weiss and a bespoke programme of curated late-night live music performances and events.

The re-launch celebrates 85 years of Quaglino’s iconic heritage; from its opening in 1929 by legendary Giovanni Quaglino – whose love of food and good company created a destination favoured by glamorous society – to Terence Conran’s celebrated remodelling in the 1980s right through to the restaurant’s present day status as one of London’s most cherished celebratory destinations.

A modern interior redesign by Russell Sage Studio will see the signature sweeping staircase, balcony bar, main restaurant and mezzanine private dining rooms elegantly restored, along with the addition of a glamorous central cocktail bar and a stage for intimate live music performances. Art deco touches will remain, with furniture and colour palettes alluding to the era Quaglino’s was first established.

The 240-cover restaurant will feature a contemporary European menu using the highest quality British ingredients. Dishes will fuse traditional European classics with exotic flavours and spices from the extended continent, such as Slow-cooked Pyrenean lamb shoulder with spiced spinach, Marcona almonds, parsley and goat’s curd and Pan-fried south coast cod with artichoke puree and a vegetable and saffron cassoulet.

Both bars will serve a variety of drinks referencing Quaglino’s rich 1930’s heritage, giving guests a taste of the restaurant’s iconic past with a focus on classic and champagne cocktails. A 300 bin wine list will focus on renowned European regions carefully chosen additions from the New World to provide balance, including selections from California, Chile and New Zealand.  Wines will be shown by style rather than country of origin, making the list easy to navigate.  

Late into the evening, the restaurant will transform into an entertainment mecca, showcasing music icons from the past and present day, renowned DJs and lounge-style live bands. Performances will be representative of the venue’s rich history; once again Quaglino’s will become a place to see and be seen, with free entry open to the public, and late-night Friday and Saturday evenings, letting guests party into the early hours. 

Des Gunewardena, CEO D&D London, said:

"It's remarkable to think that when Quaglino's first opened, Londoners were dancing thecharleston 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.”

 

David Loewi, Managing Director of D&D London, said:

“Quaglino's has always been a hugely high profile and flamboyant restaurant from its inception by Giovanni Quaglino in 1929 to the present day, so this is a very exciting and important project for us. The menu will reflect the elegance and glamour of Quaglino’s iconic heritage, with a range of contemporary European dishes to appeal to everyone.”

 

Russell Sage, owner of Russell Sage Studios, 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.”

 

Combining the space to cater for up to 500 standing or 250 seated, unique facilities including a stage for live performances and a superb new sound system, alongside an indulgent new menu and glamorous cocktail bar, Quaglino’s continues to provide Londoners with a haven to enjoy first-class dining and unforgettable late-night experiences.

For more information please visit: www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk