Ollie Dabbous trademarks Barnyard name and considers Somerset House for second restaurant

Ollie Dabbous, whose eponymous restaurant won its first Michelin star eight months after opening last year, is believed to have picked the name Barnyard for his mooted second site, which is thought will be located at London's cultural and arts centre Somerset House.

According to BigHospitality's sister publication M&C Report, Dabbous has trademarked the name Barnyard and set up a new company Barnyard Restaurants for his second venture. 

Dabbous and fellow Michelin-starred chef Skye Gyngell have been linked with the two available units at Somerset House, situated on the southern side of The Strand. 

Restaurant operators are being sought for the New Wing at the listed Grade 1 property with Davis Coffer Lyons (DCL) appointed to seek operators for two new units at the Strand and River facing New Wing at the historic property, which already counts Tom Aiken’s Tom’s Kitchen, Tom’s Deli and Fernandez and Wells as tenants.

The two premises comprise of approximately 4,500sq ft of ground floor space each with further back of house space in the basement levels. Each space incorporates a 'stunning period drawing room' at the ends of the wings one being close to the Strand and Covent Garden and the other with views overlooking the river and the river front terrace.

The Wing has been vacated by HMRC who spent some 250 years in occupation at Somerset House.

Dabbous success

Dabbous, who started out at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and worked at Hibiscus, Mugaritz in Spain and Texture before setting up on his own, said earlier this year that Ross Gibbens, current head chef at Dabbous, would take the helm of his new venture once a location was found.

It is thought the chef is in search of a second restaurant following the success of his first 36-cover restaurant, which opened in Fitzrovia in January in 2012 to critical acclaim and regularly has a waiting list. 

This article was first published by M&C Report. To subscribe call Emily Croft on 01293 846578 or email emily.croft@wrbm.com.