Cafe

Bluebird, Chelsea

Bluebird in Chelsea has become something of a Kings Road institution, set back in an old Art Deco garage which was built for The Bluebird Motor Company in 1923 to house old Bluebird cars. 

It is so much more than just a restaurant. Visitors can also choose from the café, outside courtyard for alfresco dining, bar, bakery, food store, wine cellar or one of the coolest concept stores in London. Bluebird really has everything you could possibly need under one roof.

The Shop, which is owned by Jigsaw, sells luxury fashion, books, homeware and even has its own Blink Brow Bar.

We visited last Saturday and, having been unable to get into the cafe, opted for a cocktail in the upstairs bar. Inside it’s very glamorous with a large metal bar, chandeliers and cherry-blossom sculptures dotted around to welcome the start of Spring. The bar is a destination in its own right, taking centre stage in the middle of the room. There was a steady stream of fashionable Made in Chelsea types sipping on cocktails. 

We chose a ‘Tiffany Rose’ cocktail each, rose petal vodka with fresh strawberries and line, sugar cane syrup served over Moët & Chandon Rosé Champagne. It came served in a ceramic strawberry pot and was delicious. The thing that sets Bluebird apart is the laid back atmosphere. It really is the perfect sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the King’s Road.

If you are planning to visit, it’s worth keeping an eye on the website as there are always seasonal events and pop-ups taking place, like an outside Creperie for pancake day or transforming the outside area with large tennis balls throughout Wimbledon.

350 King's Road, London SW3 5UU

www.bluebird-restaurant.co.uk

The Monocle Café, London

While on trips away I prefer not to have breakfast at the hotel, choosing instead to explore smaller, less formal, eateries nearby.

On a recent trip to London I had a chance to visit The Monocle Café situated just across from Chiltern Firehouse on Chiltern Street, London W1.

Brought to you by the people behind Monocle Magazine - the global affairs, business, culture and design bible - and the Monocle 24 radio station (click here to listen), the café opened in mid-2013.

This is Monocle's second café - the first being in Tokyo, Japan - and it is clear, both in design and from the variety of food offered, that there is a strong influence from the original.

We sat at a table in the basement and watched the food being carefully prepared in the small but busy kitchen. Service is polite and quietly efficient.

I had the Avocado Halloumi sandwich, and my friend had the Japanese breakfast. Both dishes were well presented, tasty, and represented good value for money - especially when compared to some hotel breakfast prices.

The café is a cosy setting, with many nice design features, including a private 'lounge' area for subscribers to the magazine. 

I would have liked to have spent more time here but we were in a rush to catch a morning train at London Euston. We had just enough time to grab the latest edition of Monocle magazine and an Allpress Espresso for our journey home.

The Monocle Café is well worth a visit. 

 

The Monocle Café


18 Chiltern Street, London, W1U 7QA


020 7135 2040


You may enjoy this interview between Monocle’s editor in chief Tyler Brûlé, founder of Monocle, and previously founder of Wallpaper* magazine, and the inimitable Karl Lagerfeld:

All images are courtesy of Monocle.