Daniel Boulud to move to London?

Speculation is mounting that Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud is looking to open his first restaurant in the UK.

Guide Girl understands that Boulud is looking at several opportunities in London for his next venture, including the former Grill restaurant's location in Hyde Park's luxury hotel the Mandarin Oriental.

Lyon-born Boulud shot to fame not in his French homeland, but in New York City where he soon became the toast of the town after opening his eponymous first restaurant in 1993. His management company, The Dinex Group, currently includes five other restaurants and Feast & Fêtes Catering including Café Boulud, DB Bistro Moderne and Bar Boulud in New York City. He has also created Café Boulud in Palm Beach and the Michelin-star award-winning Daniel Boulud Brasserie in Las Vegas.

If Boulud does choose the Mandarin Oriental, he'll be in illustrious company, as Heston Blumenthal is set to take over its other restaurant Foliage this year.

All this exciting news! It's almost too much for this lady-what-lunches to handle...