The new, 2,200sq.ft restaurant is situated on the ‘Triangle’ site of London’s Marylebone Lane, with space for 70 covers over two floors. Following in the footsteps of its sister site on Fetter Lane, 28-50 Marylebone will offer a wine-focused bar and restaurant, with over thirty wines available by the glass, carafe and bottle, as well as a French bistro-style menu.
“We have always loved Marylebone, there is a special feel about this part of London and it’s also a real foodie destination,” said Rousset, who met business partner Sverrisson while working as head chef at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons. “The first 28-50 exceeded our expectations, so we are excited to try it out in the West End.”
Rousset will continue in a managerial role, dividing his time between all restaurants, supported by Fetter Lane manager Ed Newman. 28-50’s head chef Paul Walsh will oversee the kitchen along with Sverrisson.
Niche and unique
Josh Leon, associate director at Davis Coffer Lyons – who advised on the deal – added: “Marylebone is one of the most popular and successful leisure destinations in London, offering a very niche and unique village feel right in the centre of the West End.
“Given how rare such opportunities become available in this area, we are so pleased to have completed this acquisition and I’m sure 28-50 will prove a tremendously welcome addition to the thriving restaurants and bars in the vicinity.”
On the menu
A similar, if slightly larger menu, will be on offer at 28-50 Marylebone, including sharing plates and dishes such as plum tomato gazpacho with prawns, olives, basil and extra virgin olive oil; Cornish lemon sole with Jersey royal potatoes, tartar sauce and brown parsley butter; and Valrhona chocolate tart with milk ice cream. Bar food will include charcuterie, cheeses and burgers, and a pre-theatre menu will be available for early-evening diners.
In addition to the restaurant’s wine list, 28-50 Marylebone will offer Rousset’s unique ‘Collector’s List’ - a selection of wines offered from the cellars of his private collector contacts at significantly reduced margins. The list includes Champagnes, premium burgundy and claret, mature Australian reds and superb value Italian heavyweights.
Designed by B3 Designers (which also designed Roka and Trishna), 28-50 Marylebone will offer a contemporary feel, with floor-to-ceiling windows and glass panels and a central bar with space for dining. Wine will also be a key feature, with many bottles on display to guests. The basement will have an open kitchen and a library of wine titles.