The Playboy Club returns with executive chef Judy Joo

By Becky Paskin

- Last updated on GMT

Iron Chef regular Judy Joo will start as executive chef of The Playboy Club when it opens this summer
Iron Chef regular Judy Joo will start as executive chef of The Playboy Club when it opens this summer
The Playboy Club, which left London’s Park Lane in 1981, is to return to Mayfair this summer with Iron Chef and Market Kitchen regular Judy Joo executive head chef.

The gaming and entertainment venue, operated by London Clubs International and Playboy Enterprises, will feature a restaurant, cocktail bar, members lounge and private gaming rooms when it opens at its new location on Old Park Lane.

Joo, who has worked at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, The Fat Duck and The French Laundry in the past, will oversee the operation of the venue’s restaurant, called The Dining Room.

The restaurant, as well as the club itself, will be run on a members-only basis. It will serve Joo’s renowned authentic yet modern Korean cuisine.

She said: “My goal is to create a unique gastronomic experience that complements the club. I am very excited to be working with LCI and Playboy on this venture, and am confident that with our combined experience and reputation, we will create the ultimate restaurant destination in the capital.”

Legendary return

The Playboy Club first opened in 1966 in Park Lane, with regular guests including Joan Collins, Frank Sinatra, Roger Moore and other big named celebrities.

Playboy founder Hugh Hefner said its return marks a surge in popularity for the brand.

“With Playboy now more popular than ever, I look forward to our return to London and again sharing the notions that are celebrated in the magazine, the concept of good food and drink, pretty girls, and exciting entertainment,” he said.

The 17,000sqft venue will be spread over two floors, and is being designed by architects Jestico + Whiles.

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