Quaglino’s stunning revamp

Russell Sage Studios returns the London icon to its art-deco glory

When Quaglino’s opened in 1929, “Londoners were dancing the Charleston and King George V was on the throne,” says Des Gunewardena, the CEO of D&D Restaurants, which owns the London restaurant. Now 85, Quaglino’s has had a dramatic revamp to bring back the allure of this glamorous and vast subterranean space, the doors to which will open on Friday October 17.

The new design by Russell Sage Studio  – whose projects have included The Savoy Grill, The Goring Hotel and The Zetter Townhouse – will return the signature sweeping staircase (first picture), balcony bar, main restaurant, mezzanine private dining rooms (second picture) and the central cocktail bar to their original art-deco glory.

Not to be outdone by the decor, the bar will feature classic and champagne cocktails from the golden age of their invention, while the 240-cover restaurant will fuse traditional European food with eastern spices such as pan-fried south coast cod with artichoke puree and a vegetable and saffron cassoulet, and slow-cooked Pyrenean lamb shoulder with spiced spinach, Marcona almonds, parsley and goat’s curd.  

As was the norm during its early years, Quaglino’s will glide into a party atmosphere from Tuesday to Saturday, when singers, jazz musicians and star DJs will provide the music. The huge space can hold up to 500 people and is open till 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, with free entry to non-diners.  

“It was time to breathe new life into it,” says Russell Sage, “so that the next generation of Quaglino’s devotees could discover its magic.” Shimmy on down.