Bluebird London has landed in New York! D&D London opens first U.S. restaurant in New York’s Columbus Circle
On Monday 17th September Bluebird London opened its doors on the third floor of the Shops at Columbus Circle, New York. The space occupies over 10,000 square feet and comprises an all-day lounge, wine bar and brasserie overlooking Central Park.
Chairman and CEO Des Gunewardena says of the opening, which is D&D London’s first move to the U.S., “we’ve always loved New York and are delighted to be launching Bluebird this side of the pond. With so many parallels between our two cities, we know New Yorkers will enjoy Bluebird – a restaurant celebrated not only for its food and wine but also for its design, buzz and glamour. Bluebird is a social hub for Londoners and Bluebird London in New York will similarly become a great meeting place for residents, shoppers and workers in and near Columbus Circle”.
On entering Bluebird, guests are welcomed into a coffee and wine bar, open from early until late. In the morning, the space will invite customers to enjoy lattes, cappuccinos and viennoiseries from Pastry Chef Jared Sexton, including a selection of signature Chelsea Buns and healthy options such as shakes, smoothies and breakfast bowls. After a light lunch menu that includes salads and sandwiches, the space will transition to an evening wine bar, with a menu that consists of snacks such as Sipsmith Gin Cured Salmon with dill, mustard and cucumber, and Porcini Tartlets with shaved truffle and chives, all paired with wines from the restaurant’s international wine list.
Beyond the coffee and wine bar lies Bluebird’s cocktail bar and gallery featuring portraits by James Greco, a snaking green banquette, and dramatic statue ‘Miss Bluebird’, overlooking the main dining room. Bluebird London’s drinks offering is overseen by Rosario Toscano and showcases local and UK-based brewers and distillers, including an impressive selection of domestic and imported gins, plus an approachable global wine list which includes lesser known English sparkling varieties. Cocktails range from traditional gin-based offerings such as James Bond’s favorite, the Vesper with Reisetbauer Blue Gin, Reisetbauer Vodka, Contratto Bianco and orange bitters, to the Thai Paloma with Volcan Blanco Tequila, grapefruit, Thai chili, kaffir lime and agave. Spectacles in their own right, each cocktail is creatively crafted to incorporate smoke and garnishes in dramatic ways. Bluebird London’s afternoon tea will also be served in the lounge from antique birdcages, importing a British tradition stateside.
The menu in the 100-seat restaurant overlooking Central Park is a marriage of British tradition and local favourites, under the direction of Chef Houlbert, a native of France, who was formerly the executive chef at both Bar Boulud and Epicerie Boulud. Serving lunch and dinner daily, in addition to a weekend brunch, the brasserie menu reflects the diversity in culture and cuisine present in the restaurant’s two transatlantic homes. Breakfast, served in the coffee and wine bar and gallery, includes a traditional English Breakfast, complete with black pudding and house baked beans, in addition to lighter offerings such as Chia Seed Pot with goji berries, coconut and almond milk. Lunch and dinner menus unite regional produce and beloved British imports, such as Beef Wellington with mushrooms and Madeira, Fish and Chips with minted English peas and tartar sauce, as well as showcasing more contemporary and local favourites.
A private dining room is also available, offering intimate seating for 20, with large windows overlooking Central Park.
The interior of Bluebird London has been conceptualized and designed by award-winning architecture and interior design firm CetraRuddy, designer Nancy Ruddy remarks, “I was inspired by Britain’s most creative decades: the 1950s and 1960s. Celebrating the irreverent spirit and effortless style that defined the period, the restaurant incorporates a spirited mix of colors and patterns, with an open and bright aesthetic that makes use of its impressive park views.”
Bluebird London move across the Atlantic for Bluebird is part of Chairman and Chief Executive Des Gunewardena’s plans to expand the Bluebird brand and further strengthen D&D’s overseas presence.
Notes to Editors
HOURS
For more information, please contact Sauce Communications claudia@saucecommunications.com| 020 8600 3600
10 Columbus Circle, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10019
+1 (347) 682-2100
www.bluebirdlondon.nyc
Instagram-@bluebirdlondon_nyc Twitter- @bluebirdLDN_NYC Facebook-@bluebirdlondonnyc
Restaurant:
Breakfast 8am to 11am Mon to Fri Lunch 11:45am to 3:30pm Mon to Fri Dinner 5:30pm to 11pm Daily Weekend Brunch 9am to 3:30pm
Café:
All Day Menu 8am to 5pm Daily
Wine Bar 5pm to 11pm Daily
ABOUT BLUEBIRD
Bar/Lounge:
11:45am to 11pm Daily
Afternoon tea service will begin on September 25.
Bluebird Chelsea is a London landmark, a gleaming Art Deco icon located on King’s Road. Made up of a café and courtyard on the ground floor and a more refined restaurant and bar on the first floor, it comes complete with its own wine cellar and food store too.
ABOUT D&D LONDON
D&D London is a group of luxury restaurants, bars and hotels based principally in London, but also with venues in Manchester, Leeds, Paris, New York and Tokyo. Today D&D London owns and operates over 30 restaurants plus an award-winning hotel. D&D has achieved numerous accolades across the group recognising its exceptional food, design, service and sustainability. The group currently holds a Michelin Star at Angler. D&D was also named the Sustainable Large Restaurant Group of the Year 2015 by the Sustainable Restaurant Association.
ABOUT TIME WARNER CENTRE
Time Warner Centre is a mixed use (office/commercial and residential) twin-tower building in New York City. Developed by The Related Companies and AREA Property Partners its design consists of two twin towers bridged by a multi-story atrium containing upscale retail shops.
In the heart of Manhattan, it’s an iconic indoor destination attracting more than 16 million visitors annually. It’s the place to shop, dine, live, work and be entertained. The soaring 2.8 million-square-foot landmark with stunning views of Central Park has transformed Columbus Circle into a cultural portal to Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
It’s an unrivalled destination for style and sophistication, offering a diverse selection of over 50 retail shops and boutiques ideal for residents and visitors alike. It also holds a prestigious collection of the largest Michelin-starred restaurants featuring world renown chefs such as Thomas Keller and Masayoshi Takayama.
It is also home to the worldwide headquarters of media giant Time Warner Inc. Worldwide with almost one million square feet of office space and state-of-the-art broadcasting facilities for CNN, Turner Broadcasting, and truTV.