This summer will see the arrival of the Mondrian Shoreditch London, and with it, chef Dani García’s first culinary concept in the U.K., BIBO.
Located on the lower ground floor of the property, the concept will be three Michelin-Star chef García’s fifth restaurant for the brand, joining BIBO Marbella, Madrid, Tarifa, Doha and Málaga. Each BIBO restaurant combines García’s Andalusian heritage with the techniques and ingredients of each BiBo location to create dishes which are well-loved around the globe, according to the company.
The lifestyle hotel, owned by The Reuben Brothers, will open its doors in July, following a major overhaul and complete redesign by London interior design studio Goddard Littlefair. This latest news comes on the heels of Accor’s acquisition of sbe’s hotel brands in Q4 2020 and its planned joint venture with Ennismore, which will see the creation of one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing lifestyle operators later this summer, the company reports.
“It is an honor to open our first U.K.-based restaurant alongside our amazing partners Accor and the Reuben Brothers, and we are excited to establish the property as the heart of the Shoreditch food scene,” said García. “I have always been fascinated by the vibrant energy of London and look forward to seeing our most iconic dishes such as the ‘oxtail brioche’ and ‘creamy ham croquettes’ being enjoyed by this new public.”
Chadi Farhat, COO, sbe added, “It is an incredible honor to work with Dani and his team to bring their tremendous culinary talent to our Mondrian hotel in London. BIBO will become a destination for Londoners and travelers alike. This is the beginning of our global collaboration with Dani which will bring his culinary concepts to our hotels across the globe.”
Inside the restaurant, Goddard Littlefair’s food and beverage division ‘Epicurean’ has curated a design scheme infused with light that uses a natural color palette, achieved with light oak floors, soft clay rendered walls and reflective surfaces. Seating a total of 120 guests, including 20 in the Spanish Courtyard and 12 in the private dining room on the floor below, BIBO’s interior will subtly reference Andalusia, while complementing the brand colors for BIBO Shoreditch through the use of rose-colored handmade tiles, Bordeaux red arched wall features and limed oak joinery. The furnishings will include antique tan leather and teal and rose fabrics, while light from the oversized rattan pendant lights will bounce between the polished copper walls.
At the central island bar, a statement mirrored raft and globe light are housed within a copper rod structure, a nod to the hot air balloon which features in other BIBO restaurants globally. The casual high tables have been designed for tapas service, situated in close proximity to the kitchen and with glass tapas displays. Outside, the Spanish Courtyard offers a Spanish haven in the heart of London, with bold red walls, hanging plants and wooden fans beneath a retracting glass roof.