London's hottest new hangout
The fashionable new hangout in London’s Marylebone made a timely debut last week that coincided with London Fashion Week. Chiltern Firehouse is renowned hotelier André Balazs’ most recent venture. And if our soft-launch experience of it is anything to go by, this is one hot new spot that will live up to the hype.
A stunning 1889 Grade II-listed Victorian-gothic fire brigade building has been beautifully converted into 26 boutique hotel suites, a restaurant with open kitchen and a bar. The discrete courtyard garden that leads you into the main building sets the scene perfectly. The restaurant’s décor is elegant, airy and classic with a few nostalgic nods to the building’s previous purpose, such as the original firehouse ceiling and large firehouse doors. The open kitchen is elevated with cozy bar seating for those wanting to see how Michelin star Chef Nuno Mendes – formerly of Viajante, and his team create their American and Portuguese influenced dishes. The contemporary menu celebrates beautifully crafted seasonal and ingredient-focused cooking. The Firehouse Caesar salad with crispy chicken skin, a unique twist on a classic, is the perfect starter and the chargrilled Iberico pork with roasted garlic and lemon will not disappoint.
With all the buzz, it may be difficult to get a table in the next couple of weeks. But pretentious and exclusive it is not. The vibe is casual and inviting and we expect it to stay that way. And before spring is upon us we recommend you book the private booth with private fireplace. With easy access to the bar, you’ll be lounging and feeling at home in no time.
John-Christian Moquette is a Partner at IAVRA.
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Great, I didn’t know about this new opening. I haven’t been to the area for a while, so I’ll have to go check it out. Hopefully I’ll manage to book a table. Fingers crossed!