Chiltern Firehouse is a super popular and iconic hotel and restaurant in London. It’s located in Marylebone, in a converted Victorian fire station, and is known for its chic vibe, celebrity guests, and incredible food. The head chef is Nuno Mendes, who’s known for his innovative cooking style.
The restaurant has a modern European menu, with dishes that focus on seasonal ingredients and a bit of a creative twist. People rave about their crab doughnuts and the wood-grilled meats. It’s definitely one of those “see and be seen” places, so getting a reservation can be tricky.
Have you been thinking about going, or just curious?
For sure! Here’s a deeper dive into Chiltern Firehouse—it’s kind of a London institution at this point:
The Backstory
- Location: 1 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, London.
- Building: It’s set in a Grade II-listed Victorian fire station that dates back to 1889. The transformation into a hotel and restaurant was done with serious style, keeping a lot of the original charm.
- Opened: The hotel and restaurant opened in 2014, and it quickly became one of London’s hottest spots.
Who’s Behind It?
- Owner: André Balazs – the hotelier behind hotspots like the Chateau Marmont in LA.
- Chef: Nuno Mendes – a Michelin-starred chef known for his inventive, modern European cooking. He was a big part of putting the place on the map.
The Vibe
- Design: Think exposed brick, high ceilings, and a mix of vintage and modern décor. It’s got that warm, buzzing atmosphere.
- Crowd: Celebrities, fashion people, creatives, and those who like a bit of glam.
The Food
- Modern European with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Some standout dishes over the years:
- Crab doughnuts – kind of a cult favorite.
- Steak tartare – with an interesting twist.
- Wood-grilled meats and fish – perfectly cooked over open flames.
- Innovative small plates – great for sharing.
The Bar
- Known for its cocktails, with an emphasis on classics done really well and a few unique house creations. The bar itself has that speakeasy feel, and it’s a good spot even if you’re not dining.
The Hotel
- Boutique and super exclusive, with only 26 rooms.
- Rooms have a retro-chic aesthetic—marble bathrooms, vintage furniture, and lots of attention to detail.
Reservations & Access
- Reservations: They can be hard to get, especially for dinner. Weekends are particularly tough. Booking well in advance is key.
- Walk-ins: The bar and terrace sometimes accommodate walk-ins, but it’s always a bit of a gamble.
Why It’s So Famous
- The blend of excellent food, stylish setting, and the constant presence of celebrities gave it that “it” status. You could easily bump into models, actors, or musicians over brunch.
Have you been thinking about going for a meal, or maybe even a stay?
