LONDON'S TRENDIEST GARAGE & FIREHOUSE
A few weeks ago, I spent a couple of days in London. I truly love this city, and it is my go-to-place, when I need a break from Paris and to clear my mind. In the beginning of January, I needed some time apart, so I booked a room in Chelsea and bought Eurostar tickets and I was good to go!
Whenever I travel to a city, I like to plan to go to trendy places. I think it always nice to discover or rediscover some restaurants, bars,... when you travel. It is part of the experiences to go a bit off the beaten tracks and a to do stuff you may not usually do in your daily life. Going over the top, it's fun!
That's exactly what I did when I went to London. I book two of my favorites restaurants, which are really awesome. I am not only talking about the food and recipes, no! I am talking about their whole concepts. I love the fact that they are both located in buildings formerly used as a firehouse and a garage.
Those two places are quite famous in London, they go by the names of : Bluebird and Chiltern Firehouse.
BLUEBIRD
Located on the well-known King's Road in Chelsea, Bluebird is a restaurant, a bar, a concept store, a bakery, a wine cellar, a food store, a café and a courtyard. Yep! You basically can do everything at Bluebird! How is it even possible? Bluebird's building used to be a garage. When Bluebird was created, the owners did a formidable job optimizing the whole space and dividing it in several area to create the shops, café and restaurant.
Bluebird's courtyard is really appreciated for the traditional teatime and the weekend brunch, so you better book a table to have your afternoon tea and wake up early to avoid the gigantic lines for having brunch with your friends !
If you want a cool place to have a healthy breakfast, go for the café. I really recommend the freshly pressed juices. You can enjoy absolutely yummy meals even if you are vegan or on a gluten-free diet. Everyone can enjoy it!
If you are a fashionista, who loves designers clothes, you must have a look to the shop. There, you'll find an exquisite selection of the latest creations of some of the most famous brands (Chloé, Acne, AP.C, Victoria Beckham,...). Beautiful, but so expensive - watch out for your credit cards people!
For the home cooks and wine experts, go to the food store and wine cellar, where you will find high quality and sometimes rare ingredients and bottles. Personally, I could spend hours in the wine cellar! - who said alcoholic?
Finally, let's talk about the real reason I love Bluebird: the restaurant! Located on the upper floor, the Art-Deco restaurant is absolutely amazing. When you enter, you will first face the bar area. What strikes you, once sat at your table, is the intimacy. There is quite lot of tables in the restaurant, but thanks to the service and the disposition of the tables you will feel like you are the only customer.
After talking about the Art-Deco and intimate atmosphere, I know what you want to know now: what about the food? Perfection! The menu is really well balanced between the meats, fishes and vegans courses.
In January, I tried the yellowfin tuna tartare and the crispy tiger prawns with aioli and a side of steamed pak choi, lemon and chili. D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!
CHILTERN FIREHOUSE
Located in the trendy Marylebone area, the Chiltern Firehouse is the little brother of the mythic Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. Both places are owned by André Balazs, which means that they are characterized by the same sense of discretion and exclusivity. When entering at the Chiltern Firehouse, you will feel one-of-a-kind.
Located in a former firehouse, the Chiltern Firehouse is a luxury hotel, a bar and a restaurant. In the intimate atmosphere of the restaurant, you will enjoy some really exquisite, multi-influenced and creative cuisine.
One of the unique aspect of the restaurant is the open cooking area. You can see the courses being prepared in front of you. I can tell you that once you will start watching the cooks in action, you won't be able to stop. Impressive!
The bar area has been conceived as a meeting point before you and your friends go to your table. It is never overcrowded. And I truly recommend you listen to the advice of the talented bartenders. Just tell them what you like and they will create cocktails or pour you some nice wines, that corresponds to your tastes.
When I went to the Chiltern Firehouse in January, I chose the crab stuffed donuts, one of the restaurant's classics, and the poached pumpkin ravioli. Actually, I have a confession to make: I asked for a second portion of crab stuffed donuts... These are addictive! I couldn't help it and I don't regret it at all!
#DETAILSMATTER
Can I have the cocktails and wines list please? : You know how much I am obsessed by cocktails and good wines. So it is obvious that I would not recommend places that don't have as goods drinks as the food served. The Chiltern Firehouse and Bluebird both have amazing cocktails and wine lists. However, I do have preferences: when I go to Bluebird I usually go for wine and when I am at The Chiltern Firehouse I choose either cocktails or the daily spritz. Either way you won't be disappointed!
Service on point!: There are lot of high standard restaurants in London! So when it comes to stand out there are a few details that matter: the menu, the atmosphere, the location and the service. As you already know, the locations, the food and the atmospheres are amazing. However, the truly most important criteria to my eyes is the service. A bad service can ruin the entire experience. Because having lunch/diner at a restaurant is an experience! You don't have to be a VIP to enjoy a great service and to be recognize when you are a regular customer of the restaurant. Whenever you go to The Chiltern Firehouse and Bluebird, you will enjoy a polite, non-invasive and effective services. Their services is really on point, paying close attentions to your needs and demands without giving you attitude - which sometimes happens in high standard restaurants.
BOOKING INFORMATIONS:
350 King's Road, Chelsea, London SW35UU
+44 20 7559 1000
1 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, London W1U7PA
+44 20 7073 7676
(Photo credit: 4am Journal)