The Grade II listed building housing Bluebird Chelsea has proudly sat on the King’s Road for over a century, albeit not always as a restaurant. The site has seen reincarnations spanning a motor garage, a fashion market, and even an ambulance station. Below are the highlights of some of the Art Deco jewel’s historic moments.
Phase one: Bluebird Motor Company
It all began in 1923 when Bluebird Motor Company opened their grand showroom at the site, the largest garage in Europe at the time. Designed by architect Robert Sharp, the space was a shining symbol of automotive luxury and saw the Bluebird name made famous through racing legend Sir Malcom Campbell, who set many land and water speed records in Bluebird vehicles. However, by the 70s, the garage had become Carlyle Garages and was used by the ambulance services.
Phase two: The Shop at Bluebird
Later in the 70s, the space transitioned from garage to fashion market. Bluebird’s life as a fashion arena included a market and a concept store called The Shop at Bluebird. This was in 1996, after extensive refurbishment by the Jigsaw Group, which produced a luxury emporium that offered clothing, furniture, and periodicals. It remained here for a decade before relocating to Covent Garden in the West End.
Phase three: Bluebird Chelsea restaurant
In 1997, the fashion arena was purchased by Sir Terence Conran and transformed into a dining destination. The new restaurant, with a bar, café, and private dining rooms, was known as Bluebird Gastrodrome and remained popular with locals until 2016, when D&D London took the reins and elevated it into the institution it is now. Bluebird Chelsea has since cemented its position as one of London’s most sought-after hangouts, a stylish Art Deco gem housing a restaurant, bar, and social hub on King’s Road.
The Menu
Bluebird Chelsea serves modern British cuisine, seasonal specials, English wines and cocktails, from breakfast through to late evening. Notable highlights include:
- Breakfast – Eggs Benedict, Full English, French Toast, Truffled Croque Monsieur and everything in between
- Sunday Roast – from 12pm on a Sunday you can enjoy your choice of Beef, Chicken, Pork or Veggie roast served with Yorkshire pudding, roasties, seasonal vegetables & gravy.
- Afternoon Tea – finger sandwiches, warm scones and delicate pastries served with a selection of tea. Daily, 3-5pm
