D&D LONDON ANNOUNCES OPENING OF SECOND BLUEBIRD AT TELEVISION CENTRE IN WHITE CITY, LONDON
D&D London announced today that it has concluded agreements with Stanhope to open a Bluebird Café this winter at Television Centre, the former home of the BBC in White City, West London.
For 20 years Bluebird has been a landmark restaurant, café and retail venue on the Kings Road in the heart of Chelsea; a historic Art Deco site at 350 Kings Road. Originally the home of the Bluebird Motor Company in 1923, its famous café and courtyard have become Chelsea’s number one place to see and be seen, and the Restaurant has become an institution on the London dining scene. The new 5,000 square foot site in White City will include a café, bar, deli and an outdoor terrace.
Des Gunewardena, Chairman and CEO of D&D commented: ‘Bluebird has always been a flagship D&D London brand and we have over the years received countless approaches to open more Bluebirds, we have however always said no. But when Stanhope approached us we said yes. Why? Firstly because of the growing success of Bluebird Chelsea especially after its recent relaunch. And secondly because we think the exciting new development of Television Centre in White City is a great location to start what I hope will become a significant expansion of Bluebird Cafes in the next few years.
Alistair Shaw, Managing Director of Television Centre, said: ‘We are excited to be able to announce that Bluebird will open its second ever site at Television Centre this year. As one of the most iconic names in London’s world-leading restaurant scene, this opening sets the tone for what will be a fantastic mix of experiences at Television Centre and in the wider £8bn regeneration of the White City area. We are pleased to be working with an operator of Des’ calibre, passion and track record, and look forward to welcoming Bluebird’s customers this winter when Television Centre opens to the public for the first time.
NOTES TO EDITORS
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 Leeds, Paris, New York and Tokyo. Today D&D London owns and operates 34 restaurants and 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 TELEVISION CENTRE
Television Centre, the former home of the BBC in West London, is set to deliver 950 new homes and apartments, House gym, 400,000 square feet of premium office space and a new outpost of private members’ club Soho House, complete with 47-room hotel. The legacy of the BBC continues at Television Centre with BBC Worldwide having taken occupation of a new headquarters in April 2015, while three television studios, including the famous Studio 1, have also been retained and are set to reopen in September 2017. 432 homes will be available in the first phase, due for completion in late 2017 when first residents will move in.
Television Centre is at the heart of a £8 billion ten-year regeneration of the wider White City area, which will form a new hub of activity, creativity and academia in west London. A thriving neighbourhood will see the arrival of new shops, restaurants and educational facilities, as well as the creation of 4,000 new homes, over two million square feet of office space and 20,000 new jobs.
Television Centre is a joint venture development between Mitsui Fudosan, AIMCo and Stanhope.