NEW: THE LEGENDARY CONNAUGHT GRILL RETURNS TO MAYFAIR
“Perhaps the best place to start is the top. All honest men seem to agree that the Connaught Grill in the Connaught Hotel serves the finest meal in the British Isles.” NEW YORK TIMES - 1972
The Connaught Grill, once one of London’s most celebrated restaurants (1955 - 2000) and home to the original power players of the capital, will make a return to the iconic Mayfair hotel early 2020.
With a respectful nod to its distinguished heritage, the new Connaught Grill design will be a more contemporary interpretation under the direction of interior architect John Heah. With a focus on art and craftsmanship, The Connaught are working with acclaimed George Nakashima Woodworkers based in Pennsylvania. Led by George’s daughter Mira, they will be creating their extraordinary signature wall panels, tables and chairs, most often to be seen and revered in museums, bespoke for the restaurant.
Commenting on the return of The Connaught Grill, co-owner Paddy McKillen said “Ever since we started the project of restoring The Connaught way back in 2008, I have dreamt of breathing life back into The Connaught Grill, a mythical restaurant that somehow captures a special place in guests’ hearts. We are bringing the Grill back to be discovered by a new generation, a Connaught Grill of today not yesterday, using craftsmen and chefs of today, but with the spirit and old school charm of the legendary Connaught Grill.”
Located on the ground floor of the hotel, the intimate 46-seat Connaught Grill will be under the direction of internationally renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. This will be his modern interpretation of a classic grill with an open kitchen complete with wood-burning grill and rotisserie offering the finest British sourced produce. The menu will include ingredients from langoustines and Dover sole, to British game and seasonal vegetable dishes, along with a ‘Daily Special’ menu. The restaurant will offer an exceptional wine list drawn from The Connaught wine cellar offering some of the greatest producers in the world.
“There will also be a homage to classics from the old Connaught Grill” said Jean-Georges, “including, of course ‘Oeuf en surprise au Connaught’ which I remember so well on my first visit there. I am honoured to play a part in bringing The Connaught Grill back to life in London.”
The Connaught Grill will open early 2020 and will join Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s eponymous restaurant and of course Hélène Darroze’s two Michelin-star restaurant Hélène Darroze at The Connaught.
The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL | T: +44 (0) 20 7499 7070
