Galvins are forced to shelve plans for Waldorf brasserie

Chef brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin have called off plans to open a new brasserie-style restaurant at London's Waldorf Hilton hotel, Caterer can reveal.

After months of speculation, the chef duo have decided, in agreement with Hilton, not to go ahead with the proposed Brasserie Deluxe, which was to open at the site of the hotel's current Homage restaurant.

The success of Galvin Bistrot De Luxe on Baker Street has driven the Galvins' ambition to open a grand brasserie, complete with café and bar, offering an all-day dining facility. However, planning issues over the building scuppered the project.

Chris Galvin, also chef-patron of Galvin at Windows at the London Hilton on Park Lane, told Caterer: "After creating the design concept for the restaurant, we encountered difficult challenges in connection with the historical nature of the building. We continue to enjoy a good relationship with Hilton, which still wishes to explore new opportunities with us, and we still believe that London has room for a landmark destination like this. We are now seeking a similar site that will allow us this opportunity."

Galvin at Windows, which won Hotel Restaurant Team of the Year at the inaugural Hotel Cateys earlier this month, is strongly tipped to gain a Michelin star when the new UK guide is published in January.

Galvin Bistrot De Luxe, meanwhile, has recently undergone an expansion programme to incorporate a basement lounge-bar. Opened earlier this month, it seats up to 20 guests, providing a much-needed waiting area in the restaurant.

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By Kerstin Kühn

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