El Bulli Alumnus and Master Mixologist Announce Date for Mayfair Opening

A veteran leader of the east London cocktail scene and a chef who counts Ferran Adria as a former employer have joined forces on what could be one of the more surprising new restaurants opening in Mayfair this summer. Mixologist Tony “C” Conigliaro and chef Rob Roy Cameron have confirmed that together they will open Gazelle on Albemarle Street on Monday 9 July — two months later than originally planned.

Set in an Edwardian building — on a street which has some pedigree in high-end Indian restaurants Gymkhana and Indian Accent) — Gazelle is described as “a stylish dining and cocktail destination.” The announcement today speaks of the duo setting out “to create menus that play with convention, reworking ingredients to break down the barrier between bar and restaurant.”

The restaurant, which is accessed by a private lift, is separated across two storeys, with the first floor restaurant accommodating 48 guests. The cocktail bar will be upstairs. Customers will have to wait and see just how that barrier between cocktail bar and restaurant is broken down.

About the new restaurant, Conigliaro, who runs Bar Termini, 69 Colebrooke Row and Untitled in London, said: “I love Mayfair and wanted to offer something that would sit comfortably alongside what’s already on offer here. When we were given the opportunity to take over both floors, I really wanted to install the lift and give out guests that feeling of a private members club away from street level, without it actually being one. Am so happy we managed to fit one in!”

Cameron — who after working at El Bulli, worked as head chef at both 41 Degrees and Hoja Santa (where he helped the kitchen to win a Michelin star a year after opening) — says that Gazelle’s menu will be a “creative and exciting approach to modern European cuisine” — and will include dishes such as halibut and elderflower; and monkfish with burnt seeds. The format of the offering will include sharing plates and snacks and is “designed to put the guest in control of how they dine, allowing them to create a menu based on their appetite and preferences.”

Cameron explained that the “food at Gazelle will be a change from the current offering in Mayfair. We’ve broken away from the 2/3 course or tasting menu format and just left it open for everyone to choose themselves. We want to create a space where guests can enjoy a unique dining and drinking experience with a kitchen that is not limited by genre.”

Drinks-wise, Gazelle will operate with a focus on champagnes. Plus, a core cocktail menu will include six of Conigliaro’s “signature drinks” such as the red amber and the coral fizz, six bespoke Gazelle variations on classics and six champagne cocktails. Additionally, there will be a selection of cold brewed teas, juices and non-alcoholic drinks.

Gazelle is open Monday to Saturday for lunch from midday to 2.30pm, and for dinner from 6-10pm. Cocktails and small plates will be served throughout the afternoon. Reservations are now open and can be made here.