Bluebird

Words by Ian Cameron

Address: 350 King's Road, London, SW3 5UU, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)207 559 1000
Website: view Bluebird’s website
Style: Cocktail bar

Review

Bluebird is an upscale bar, eatery and posh supermarket that's housed in a former Art Deco car garage. It was converted by British design supremo by Sir Terence Conran into a 'gastrodome' in 1997, like a Chelsea outpost of his Piccadilly 1990s 'super-restaurant' and general temple to food and drink, Quaglino's. Sir 'Tel' is now a minority shareholder in the group.

For cocktails, take the lift to the first floor and you'll find a polished steel island bar in the middle of a cavernous eating space. It's all very contemporary - well, at least as contemporary was in 1997. Come on a quiet day and there's a distinct lack of atmosphere - a place this size needs people. Bluebird has been maintained well and is more than a match for the well-dressed (you might say over-dressed) locals out for dinner and on dates - but frankly it's all a bit clean and clinical and lacks any soul that it might have once had.

Cocktails are mainly white spirits-based, served with plenty of fruit, and are definitely at the higher end of the price spectrum, with many at £12.50, but unfortunately despite the five-star hotel prices these drinks are not showstoppers.