London is quick to embrace the festive season, and Bluebird Chelsea is a leading example of this. Recently perfecting a line-up of December-only dishes, discover classic ingredients that fuse nostalgic favourites, elevated indulgently.
Stepping through the iconic cobbled courtyard and into the large restaurant upstairs, I visited to sample these new dishes fresh from the kitchen for the season. With flutes of English sparkling wine from Nyetimber, pigs in blankets are the first to step into the limelight. These are perfectly glazed in a sweet honey mustard and Douglas fir glaze and finished with fresh rosemary sprigs. These are a delight to begin your meal with or work well as a hearty bar snack.
A festive take on the classic club sandwich is Bluebird’s new turkey club French dip creation. Fusing the signature Christmas roast dinner with the ever-adored club sandwich, these fat sourdough sandwiches are jam-packed with sliced butter-baked turkey, sprout and carrot slaw, chestnut stuffing, a tangy cranberry jam with a turkey gravy dip on the side.
Truly pushing the boat out, next up is the duck and turkey wellington which arrives with a cranberry sauce and rich red wine jus, before rounding off with mini-Christmas-inspired puddings. Swimming in a crème ‘Anglais’ to fit with our English theme, they’ve been given some extra Christmas cheer with a chocolate and Guinness combo.
In the lead-up to the big day this December, groups of up to 12 people can take full advantage of Bluebird Chelsea’s à la carte menu which the team have enhanced with seasonal specials, filled with festive flavours. Should you want to host a bigger party, the team can also curate set menus perfect for elegant sit-down dinners or festive receptions. Additionally, Bluebird Chelsea also offers bespoke private dining options for those planning a private event during the festive season, allowing guests to host intimate celebrations in their newly renovated private dining rooms.
Looking ahead to the big day itself, this year Bluebird Chelsea will be whipping up a memorable four-course dining experience. At £160 per person, the festive food that features includes Ballentine of Norfolk turkey crown with turkey leg stuffing, pigs in blankets, root vegetable puree, and turkey gravy – as well as vegetarian options such as hand-rolled potato gnocchi with wild broccoli, fried brussels sprouts and 36-month parmesan and truffle.
To celebrate in true quintessential style, from November 20 Bluebird Chelsea will be partnering with none other than the leading English sparkling wine label Nyetimber. Adding some festive sparkle to their December dining, flutes of these English bubbles will be available by the glass or bottle to elevate every meal with family and friends. Nyetimber Classic Cuvee MV, Nyetimber Rosé MV, Nyetimber Cuvee Chérie Demi-Sec MV, Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs, and 1086 by Nyetimber Prestige Cuvee 2013 and 1086 by Nyetimber Prestige Cuvee Rosé 2013 will all be available.
Finally, to wrap up the year in style, Bluebird Chelsea has just announced they will be hosting an exclusive Gatsby-themed New Year’s soirée. On December 31, the team invite Londoners to step into a world reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties, complete with jazz, champagne, and all the glamour the era embodies.
Dress to impress and embrace the spirit of the era; flapper dresses, tailored suits, and vintage accessories are encouraged. Bluebird Chelsea will transform into a dazzling speakeasy, complete with a live band to keep their guests dancing into the early hours. Either join at the bar or choose to experience an exclusive four-course menu before the countdown. Bar tickets start from £40pp, and include a glass of Nyetimber. Dinner seatings start from £120pp. Nyetimber English Sparkling Wine will, of course, be available as a luxurious add on.
Factbox
Address: 350 Kings Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5UU
Phone: 020 7559 1000
Website: bluebird-restaurant.co.uk