Chef James Durrant to open The Game Bird at The Stafford London
On 17 March 2017, The Stafford London in St James’s will relaunch its restaurant under the helm of recently appointed Executive Chef, James Durrant. In the finest traditions of classic British hospitality epitomised by The Stafford, The Game Bird will celebrate the very best of British cooking, but with innovative, modern touches, in a relaxed atmosphere with exceptional service.
James Durrant brings to The Stafford a wealth of experience from over 20 years at Michelin-starred restaurants including Gordon Ramsay’s Royal Hospital Road and Claridge’s. For five years, he was Executive Chef at Jason Atherton’s Maze and Maze Grill before relocating to Hampshire with his family in 2010 to open his own venture, The Plough Inn in Longparish, which was awarded a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand and where his main course was chosen for the banquet on BBC2’s Great British Menu 2014.
The Game Bird’s menus will make full use of the diverse produce of Great Britain and its surrounding oceans: Clarence Court Eggs, Orkney sea scallops, Salt Marsh mutton and Lincolnshire smoked eel – to name a few. With a nod to the chef’s Cheshire upbringing, there will be a changing selection of Pies, Puddings & Stews such as Salt Marsh Mutton Lobscouse and Steak and ale steamed suet pudding, while a traditional Sunday roast will be served from a trolley with “gravy and all the trimmings”. Unsurprisingly, given the restaurant’s name, British game will also feature, with dishes such as Roast grouse, bread sauce and game chips; Rhug estate fallow deer tartar, quail egg, Worcester sauce, and charcoal mayonnaise and Wood pigeon pot au feu; as well as Game pie with port and short crust pastry.
In addition, a dedicated oyster menu will showcase British Isles varieties including Jersey, Colchester, Dungarvan, Lindisfarne and West Mersea, and a bespoke trolley of the finest smoked and cured fish which will be served straight to guests’ tables, with garnishes of horseradish, cucumber and dill pickles, mustard dressing, crème fraîche, and rye bread, while luxurious Oscietra and Keta caviar will also be available.
As well as the many game dishes seen on the menus, the name of the restaurant also pays playful homage to The Stafford’s famous former resident, Nancy Wake, an eccentric female spy who frequented the in-house American Bar during the Second World War and who resided at the hotel during her final years.
The restaurant will undergo an extensive redesign that shows off the original seventeenth century features of the building, clean lines of marble and glass, and the natural hues of leather and traditional wood panelling will be complimented by a palette of brightly coloured velvets.
The Game Bird at The Stafford will take its place alongside the hotel’s existing private dining rooms, 380-year-old working wine cellars, and the award-winning American Bar, with Durrant working together with Bar Manager Benoit Provost, and Master Sommelier Gino Nardella, to elevate and perfect the culinary offering at the hotel. The restaurant will open in early 2017, with further details to be announced in due course.
The Game Bird
The Stafford London
16-18 St James’s Place
London
SW1A 1NJ
Reservations: 020 7518 1234 or email reservations@thegamebird.com
Breakfast: Mon-Fri 7am – 10.30am | Sat-Sun 7am – 11am
All Day Dining: 12pm – 10pm
Sunday Lunch: 12pm – 3pm
Afternoon Tea: 12pm – 7pm
Twitter: @TheGameBirdLON
Instagram: @thegamebirdlon
About The Stafford London:
Dedicated to continuous innovation and the highest standards of hospitality, The Stafford London is a luxury five-star, independently owned boutique hotel located in prestigious St James’s. From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalized 24-hour service, The Stafford embodies a true “home away from home” for those who know and appreciate the best.
- The hotel is located in the heart of historical St James’s, close to London landmarks Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery and Green Park.
- An all-luxury property comprising 105 rooms and suites, including the all-suite Stafford Mews building, the Carriage House, converted former stables, and the elegant main house.
- The hotel opened in 1912, located at number 16-18 St. James’s Place. Originally built as private residences in the 17th century; number 17 was most famously owned by Lord and Lady Lyttelton, daughter of the then Earl Spencer, who served as a nanny to Queen Victoria’s children.
- Dining options include award winning restaurant, once the drawing room of Lord and Lady Lyttelton, the private dining rooms, the 380-year-old Wine Cellars, and the American Bar, an institution in its own right.
The Stafford London is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection. All guests of The Stafford London are eligible to enrol in the iPrefer hotel rewards programme, which extends points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, elite status, and special benefits such as complimentary internet to members upon every stay at more than 550 participating Preferred Hotels & Resorts locations worldwide.
The Stafford London, 16-18 St James’s Place, London, SW1A 1NJ Tel: +44 (0) 20 7493 0111 www.thestaffordlondon.com
Twitter: @StaffordLondon Instagram: @thestaffordlondon Facebook: @TheStaffordLondon