Quaglino’s swings open its doors as it re-launches this October

Quaglino’s, the iconic restaurant and late-night venue in the heart of London’s Mayfair St James’s, is re-opening its doors on Friday 17th 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 1990s 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 sees 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 remain, with furniture and colour palettes alluding to the era Quaglino’s was first established. 

The 240-cover restaurant features a contemporary European menu using the highest quality British ingredients. Dishes fuse traditional European classics with exotic flavours and spices from the extended continent, such as Cheltenham beetroot with goat’s curd, winter leaves, walnuts and dried apricots, Seared hand-dived Kings scallop in the shell with tomato, samphire and Ligurian olive oil and Lobster raviolo, spinach, golden raisins, espelette chilli and lobster emulsion, with feature dishes to share including Spiced Romney Marsh lamb shoulder, young spinach, apricot, almond, parsley and goat’s curd.

Under the supervision and creative flair of new bar manager Milos Popovic, both bars are serving 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 focuses on renowned European regions and carefully chosen additions from the New World to provide balance, including selections from California, Chile and New Zealand, with wines shown by style rather than country of origin, making the list easy to navigate.  

Late into the evening, the restaurant transforms into an entertainment mecca, showcasing music icons from the past and present day, renowned DJs and lounge-style live bands. Performances are representative of the venue’s rich history; once again, Quaglino’s is the 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 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.”

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 reflects 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 unique facilities including a stage for live performances and a superb new sound system, 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, visit quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk.