Last Updated on January 27, 2026
A Chelsea icon opens in the City
3.5 out of 5.0 starsOver the course of 20 years, the original Bluebird has become something of a King’s Road institution – much featured on Made in Chelsea and an excellent place for light celeb spotting. Finally, a second branch was opened, Bluebird City, this one way across town in the South Place Hotel, conveniently close to both Moorgate and Liverpool Street stations.
The new Bluebird aims to offer all-day dining (including breakfast) with a focus on seasonal British ingredients. The restaurant is smart, light and comfortable. Just like its Chelsea sibling, there’s al fresco space too with signature umbrellas and loads of greenery.
We decided to kick off with drinks from the Lillet Spring cocktail menu, taking us on an interesting detour from the now ubiquitous Italian aperitivos to the very French l’Aperitif.
My friend couldn’t stop herself from sipping away at her deliciously light Lillet Scarlet Spritz. A tall refreshing mix of Lillet Rose, rhubarb and rosehip cordial plus Prosecco, this is a great choice for lunchtime if you want to experience a sober afternoon. Meanwhile, I’d gone “strong” and was enjoying the far headier Golden Negroni – Lillet Blanc, Malfy Rosa gin and Luxardo Bitter, prettily decorated with gold leaf.
For my main course, I opted for the Minted Lamb cutlet served with wild garlic pomme puree, radish, green asparagus and lamb jus. Two big fat cutlets arrived, lightly minted, slightly underseasoned (but this is not one of those places that’s too posh or French not to automatically provide salt and pepper for making one’s own adjustments). Bluebird City offers its lamb pink or well-done. I went for the first option and would have liked my meat a little pinker. That said, the fat was beautifully rendered and quite delicious. I was very taken with the unusual wild garlic pomme puree – a vibrant green, almost fibrous, take on mash.
Fans of the original Bluebird will be pleased to see two old favourites on the menu under the heading Chelsea Classics: their Shredded Duck Salad and the Double Bacon Cheeseburger. Bluebird City is introducing its own City Classics, and my companion was keen to try one of these. Our friendly waitress suggested the City Chicken Flatbread, a generous plate of tender shredded chicken thigh, pickled red cabbage, carrot, garlic sauce (she would have liked more of this) and good French fries.
We had forgone starters, especially so we would have room to explore the tempting dessert menu at Bluebird City. My companion enjoyed a great slab of Nutmeg Tart, essentially a very good custard tart infused with nutmeg and lifted by 12-year-old Flor de Cana rum, offset by a blackberry compote and fresh blackberries.
My pudding wasn’t quite as exciting. I’d chosen the Bakewell with rhubarb (of which there was not enough) and almond frangipane (which was a little too dry). I could, however, eaten a whole plate of the accompanying toasted crumb and pistacchio ice cream.
It may not, yet, have the star-spotting potential of the Chelsea original, but Bluebird City is a relaxed and stylish spot to enjoy all-day dining.
South Place Hotel, 3 South Place, London EC2M 2AF
Telephone: +44(0)20 3503 0000
Looking for something different? South Place Hotel is also home to the Michelin Star Fine Dining Restaurant Angler on the top floor.
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