Bluebird, on London’s Kings Road, was built as a motor-car garage in the 1920’s but served latterly as an ambulance station and indoor market whilst steadily falling into disrepair. In 1996 it reopened after extensive refurbishment as the second Conran ‘Gastrodrome’, accommodating two restaurants, a dining club, foodstore and flower/homeware shop.

Occupying the first floor of the complex, overlooking the forecourt and the Kings Road beyond, the Bluebird Brasserie is dominated by the bridge-like roof trusses from which the first floor slab is suspended to give an automobile-friendly, column-free ground floor.

After 10 years on the King’s Road, Bluebird has undergone a refurbishment to rejuvenate this Chelsea favourite restaurant and bar.

Bluebird is a regular haunt to a diverse range of customers who enjoy the relaxed atmosphere for their morning coffee and paper to a late night drink. Conran & Partners have retained and reinforced this relaxed and eclectic atmosphere whilst refreshing its original glamour.

Conran & Partners have removed divisions between the bar and restaurant, opening it up into a more integrated space and increasing views from the entrance reception. Sofas and armchairs intermingle with tables and chairs; a mix of furnishing that avoids defining any particular area for any particular use, creating flexible options for the mix of customers. Business lunchers can merge seamlessly with afternoon shoppers.

The crustacea bar, a much-enjoyed focus at the end of the central axis of the restaurant, has been retained and reincarnated as a Champagne and Oyster bar. A crystal chandelier hangs above the bar and three further bespoke stainless steel chandeliers by young designer ‘Hotcakes’ have been introduced between the steel trusses of the original roof structure. A new colour scheme of chocolate tones with spots of red adds further warmth.

With its own separate entrance from the street, the Bluebird Dining Room has a more intimate feel, evoking a gentlemen’s club of the twenties or thirties. At ground floor a members-only bar features chestnut leather-clad armchairs and a roaring fire. A timber-clad display-wall of books and memorabilia pays homage to Sir Malcolm Campbell, Britain's world land-speed champion, including models of his famous Bluebird racing cars and boats. A stone-clad staircase leads up to the first floor dining room with its spectacular pyramidal roof-light. This is a comfortable space with timber banquettes and wainscotting, above which are displayed original paintings commissioned from Jack Vettriano, illustrations by Paul Slater and other motor racing art and photography.