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So it was true after all. Following months of speculation and denial, Mandarin Oriental has finally confirmed that three-Michelin-starred French chef Daniel Boulud will open a restaurant at the luxury hotel.

The announcement follows that of fellow three-Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal opening his first London restaurant at the Knightsbridge hotel next autumn.

Boulud will launch French restaurant Bar Boulud in the space of the former Grill restaurant of the luxury hotel. It will be modelled on the Bar Boulud in New York and will offer a French bistro menu with signature terrines and pâtés made on site under the direction of acclaimed charcutier Gilles Verot.

Located at street level with a separate entrance, the 165-seat restaurant's interiors will be developed by renowned designer Adam Tihany and will feature contemporary references to French wine making culture.

Interiors will include a bar lounge, red leather banquettes and chairs, a bar topped in zinc with a cork panel coating and an open kitchen as the focal point of the main dining space. There will also be a charcuterie bar featuring a glass counter displaying the restaurant's signature terrines and a selection of cheeses.