Lilibet’s will open at 17 Bruton Street, which is also the address of Hakkasan Mayfair and which was once the site of a Palladian mansion and the birthplace of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Taking its name from the childhood nickname of Queen Elizabeth II, who called herself Lilibet as a toddler because she had difficulty pronouncing her full name, Lilibet’s serves a menu that follows an imaginary Grand Tour the princess might have taken through the Mediterranean.
The 160-cover restaurant will offer a number of dining experiences, including an Oyster Bar and a bespoke wood-fired grill. Dishes will range from an anchovy éclair; fried crab thermidor; squat lobster bisque; whole turbot pil pil; and lobster tails and spaghetti.
There will also be a seafood celebration platter presented on a custom lazy Susan-style dish and a fish triptych, where diners select a fish of their choice, served in three different ways: crudo, grilled, and as a soup.
A custom marenarium showcasing seldom seen ingredients such as garfish, Scotch halibut and sea cucumbers will also feature,
Dessert options will include Trou Normande - apple ice cream served with calvados - and a genois princess cake made.
The restaurant will also have an outdoor terrace and a cocktail bar that will serve a selection of martinis, as well as classics cocktails and a selection of snacks.
A private home aesthetic
The Russell Sage Studio designed interiors evoke a period of grandeur and imagine a world where the space has remained a private home for the young princess and includes bespoke wallpaper inspired by the local area and handmade wallpaper featuring a floral pattern of the era.
“With Lilibet’s, we wanted to create an enduring place that will feel relevant in twenty years, with a real focus on great hospitality,” says Shonhan, whose other projects include Japanese restaurant Strawfire in Abu Dhabi and Japanese steakhouse Netsu in Dubai.
“This address carries an unexpected history, and that gave us the freedom to be creative,” he adds. “Lilibet’s will be a great seafood restaurant that respects British ingredients while also embracing flavours from further afield.
“The design follows the same thinking – elegant, but with a few surprises. It’s about doing things properly, but with personality.”