The Chiltern Firehouse has become London’s hottest celebrity hangout
Chiltern Firehouse, a former fire station in Marylebone. The restaurant is the latest offering from hotel magnate André Balazs, who owns the glamorous Chateau Marmont in Hollywood and the Mercer hotel in the Big Apple.
Originally one of London’s first purpose-built fire stations, the Grade II listed gothic Victorian building has been transformed by Balazs into a swanky New York-style brasserie with high ceilings, hanging light fittings, large mirrors and a busy open kitchen. Guests are greeted by attractive top-hatted doormen and escorted through a pretty garden courtyard to their tables.
Who might I spot?
Lily Allen, Kate Moss, Simon Cowell, Linsday Lohan, David Beckham, Bill Clinton, Bradley Cooper, Tony Blair and Orlando Bloom have all been glimpsed sneaking out of the back door.
What do the critics say?
“The place is hotter than the surface of the Sun. I reckon even God would have to wait for a table.” Tom Parker Bowles, The Daily Mail.
"I left Chiltern Firehouse in such a giddy manner that I demolished a pair of Lucy Choi high heels and had to be carried to my car holding them in pieces. The man with the top hat was very sympathetic." Grace Dent, Evening Standard.
"Nuno Mendes is a genius: forget everything else." Zoe Williams, Telegraph.
"It's hard to see exactly what distinguishes Chiltern Firehouse from any other upmarket restaurant in London, other than the raging fury of its own myth. But, then again - maybe that's all it takes." Polly Vernon, The Times.
