One of London’s Most Famous Restaurants Is Doubling Up in the City

The owners of The Wolseley on Piccadilly — one of the most famous restaurants in London — are thought to be planning a second site. Following a rumour posted last month by Bloomberg’s Richard Vines, reports have now emerged that Corbin and King will take on the ground floor of the former House of Fraser department store on King William Street in the City.

Propel, via Bisnow, reports that the company is planning to open at that site near London Bridge. The 98,000 square foot building has been acquired by American private equity firm Ares Management, “which plans to convert the ground floor of the building to a restaurant, which will be the second London location of the Wolseley,” Bisnow reports. The nine upper floors will function as office space.

Eater understands from sources close to the deal that the opening remains some way off. It is also not going to be a Cafe Wolseley, a sub-brand, which looked last year like the beginning of a roll-out in Bicester Village. It will bear a resemblance to the original Wolseley, on Piccadilly, operationally, but the name of the new restaurant has not been confirmed.

The Wolseley, which is named after the old car manufacturer, is owned by Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, two of London’s most respected and successful restaurateurs. Their brand takes inspiration from (historical) European (grand) cafe culture, with a portfolio that includes, as well as the Wolseley, their first restaurant, The Delaunay, Colbert, Fischer’s, Colony Grill Room, Brasserie Zédel, and Bellanger. Corbin and King have also just been given the green light for a massive new seafood restaurant in Soho.

More soon.

• EXCLUSIVE: Ares Buys Famous City Building After Department Store Closure And Plans New Wolseley Site [Bisnow]