D&D London relaunches legendary venue where Bowie and Rolling Stones once played
by Kim Megson | 21 Jan 2016
The iconic London venue where the Rolling Stones made their musical debut will unveil its latest incarnation on 28 January when it is reopened as a new lounge, bar and dining space.
Restaurateur D&D London – which has have operated two previous restaurants on the site of the former Marquee Club in the city’s Soho district – is relaunching the venue as 100 Wardour St: “a destination celebrating creativity, talent, eccentricity and culture.”
In decades past, the building hosted the cream of the music world, including David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd and the Stones – who played together there for the first time in July 1962.
To keep a sense of the building’s vibrant history alive, interior design firm Russell Sage Studios have introduced eclectic, colourful furniture and design features across the venue’s two floors.
The ground level features a cocktail bar, an all-day restaurant and a playroom containing a pool table, games and a vintage jukebox. The basement floor houses the Wardour Club; a dining and entertainment space focused around a central stage which will host live music and DJ performances.
In total, the venue’s restaurant can welcome 425 guests for dining and up to 870 for events. It will be run by executive chef Liam Smith-Laing, formerly of London’s French bistro La Petite Maison.
The menu will be inspired by flavours from the Mediterranean and the kitchen will have a coal-fuelled open robata grill and a Josper oven. Superfood options – including cauliflower tabbouleh, golden raisins and bee's pollen, and seabass ceviche – will also be available.
Des Gunewardena, chair and CEO at D&D London, said: “100 Wardour St has a great history and we think that its new incarnation will keep the venue firmly at the centre of what is happening in Soho. All day dining in clubby, informal environments is increasingly what Londoners are looking for and of course music will continue to be a big part of the place.
“This is one of London's truly iconic restaurant sites and we’re very pleased to be investing in the next chapter of its story."
The building’s last D&D-led incarnation was Carom and Floridita, which made headlines in May last year after firefighters were called to extinguish a blaze.
D&D are hoping 100 Wardour St will replicate the success of the German Gymnasium in King’s Cross, which has become a popular destination for London diners since opening late last year.
The Rolling Stones David Bowie D&D London Russell Sage architecture design interior design restaurants
The designers have used colourful and eclectic furniture Credit: D&D London
An all-day bar will feature on the ground floor Credit: D&D London
100 Wardour St is split across two floors Credit: D&D London
19 Jan 2016
David Bowie honoured with lightning bolt constellation
11 Nov 2015
London's hottest restaurant opening of 2015: the German Gymnasium by Conran and D&D
03 Jul 2015
Rolling Stones touring exhibition coming in 2016
09 May 2014
UK music heritage could be worth extra £4bn in tourism revenues, says study
09 Dec 2010
Leeds venture for London restaurant group
08 Feb 2010
Green light for Moorgate hotel scheme
22 May 2008
Conran to sell D and D majority stake
The iconic London venue where the Rolling Stones made their musical debut will unveil its latest incarnation on 28 January when it is reopened as a new lounge, bar and dining space. Restaurateur D&D London – which has have operated two previous restaurants on the site of the former Marquee Club in the city’s Soho district – is relaunching the venue as 100 Wardour St: “a destination celebrating creativity, talent,
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