Ending months of speculation, the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge has confirmed that French chef Daniel Boulud (Daniel) will be opening a restaurant in the luxury hotel spring 2010. Designed as a French-inspired bistro and wine bar, Bar Boulud London will follow the format of Bar Boulud in New York City, with signature terrines and pâtés made on-site by charcutier Gilles Vérot. Located at street level with its own entrance directly onto Knightsbridge, the Adam D. Tihany–designed restaurant will seat 165. The announcement follows confirmation that Heston Blumenthal (The Fat Duck) will open his first London-based restaurant in the same hotel next fall.
– Roger Clarke