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Boulestin reopens in London on St James's Street

boulestinsmall[27/8/13 - updated with soft launch details]

If the opening of a French restaurant in a posh part of London has people more than duly interested, it's because there's quite a history behind Boulestin.

The original Boulestin opened in Covent Garden in 1927 and was (yes, we looked it up on Wikipedia so you don't have to) one of the most expensive restaurants in the city at the time. Yet such was Boulestin's attention to making his food as exquisite as he could that it apparently didn't turn a profit - much like Ferran Adria's experience with elBulli. To make up the difference, Boulestin ended up writing books and gave cooking lessons to the likes of Clemmie Churchill.

With guests like Wallis Simpson in his restaurant and his appearances on television, Boulestin was to all intents and purposes one of London's first celebrity chefs. The restaurant finally closed its doors in 1994 - a victim of the last recession.

The new restaurant will be inspired by Boulestin's work, serving up classic French dishes such as Oeuf en Gelée; poached eggs in jellied consommé to start, as well as main dishes such as Poulet Sauté au Vinaigre and Sole Dugléré. The man behind the project is Joel Kissin the man who partnered Terence Conran throughthe launch of Quaglino's, Pont de da Tour and Bluebird in the 90s.

Kissin has put Andrew Woodford, former Head Chef of Café Colbert, in charge of two venues at the St James location - a luxury 60-seat bistro, a private dining room and Café Marcel, a 30-seat brasserie which will offer lighter dishes.

"Boulestin was a restaurant with so much history,” says Kissin. “I’m not trying to copy the original – that was of its time and times have changed. But its history presents a rich tapestry that has influenced me both in terms of the design and the food."

Boulestin will open on September 2 at 5 St James's Street, London SW1A 1EF. There is a soft launch from August 31 - September 1 with 50% off food. Call 020 7930 2030 to book.

Follow them on Twitter @boulestinlondon

Find out about more new and upcoming London restaurants

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