In September, Lilibet’s will proudly open its doors at Number 17 Bruton Street, introducing exquisite seafood infused with timeless British elegance to the heart of Mayfair.
Once the site of a beautiful Palladian mansion, 17 Bruton Street was the birthplace and home of Britain’s most revered young princess and her family. Drawing on the quiet grandeur of that history, Lilibet’s reimagines a world of timeless style and gentle wonder; whilst asking the question – what if fate had never intervened? Lilibet’s explores an imagined path untethered from destiny, a sanctuary shaped by heritage yet free from the bounds of history. Here, the spirit of old Mayfair hospitality is quietly rekindled, intimate and full of stories waiting to be shared.
The concept is shaped by Ross Shonhan, a globally respected restaurateur with over 30 years’ experience in creating standout hospitality ventures. Lilibet’s marks his twelfth opening, following acclaimed projects such as Strawfire and Netsu, previous ventures like Bone Daddies Group and earlier Executive Chef roles at Nobu and Zuma. At Lilibet’s, every dish will begin with the freshest ingredients, prepared with care and cooked simply to let natural flavours shine. The menu follows an imaginary Grand Tour the princess might have taken through the Mediterranean, blending beloved classics with unexpected gems designed to surprise.
Elegant and charming yet infused with bold touches of enchanting colour and richness, the restaurant offers over 160 covers, with delicately designed spaces that evoke the feel of distinct rooms within a quintessential English home.
Guests can choose from a variety of dining experiences, ranging from the Oyster Bar, with its selection of fresh seafood, to the fireside grill, where bespoke dishes like whole turbot pil pil and lobster tails over spaghetti take centre stage. In summer, an outdoor terrace offers the perfect spot for late afternoon unwinding, while heated seating ensures it remains a favourite throughout the year. The Cocktail Bar will serve a selection of Martinis, as well as timeless classics and a selection of light bites.
For the more adventurous diner, the main kitchen will offer a selection of intriguing dishes, including an anchovy éclair, fried crab thermidor and a rich squat lobster bisque that showcases one of the unsung heroes of the Scottish seas. Celebrating the best British farmers, a carefully curated selection of sustainably sourced meat and poultry will also be served, with some dishes finished or presented tableside in a nod to timeless classic service. The dessert menu will offer a variety of favourites alongside a Prego (Steak Sandwich), a refreshing Trou Normande and a decadent Princess cake made with genoise sponge.
Filled with playful details that hint at the imagined life and travels of Lilibet, the space has been designed with timeless charm and character. It sets the stage for a dining experience rooted in storytelling, with exceptional seasonal seafood at its heart. The theatre forms part of the experience, with bespoke creations including:
- A custom Marenarium showcasing limited ingredients and seasonal unsung jewels of the sea – such as Garfish, Scotch Halibut and Sea Cucumbers
- A bespoke woodfired grill, crafted by Rhys Allen, a Central Saint Martins alumnus renowned for his work with leading London restaurants
- A seafood celebration platter presented on a custom lazy Susan-style dish developed with metal artist Simon Day.
- The Fish Triptych, where guests select a fish of their choice, served in three different ways: crudo, grilled, and as a soup, highlighting the versatility and beauty of the whole fish.
The interiors, crafted by Russell Sage Studio, imagine a world where No.17 Bruton Street remained a private home for a spirited young Lilibet. The design conjures a life filled with glamour, travel, fashion and playful grandeur. Richly layered and full of character, the atmosphere echoes the textures and tones of the English countryside, reinterpreted with a fresh, modern sensibility. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered from bespoke wallpaper inspired by the local area to specially commissioned 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 Ross Shonhan, Founder. “This address carries an unexpected history, and that gave us the freedom to be creative. 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.”
Russell Sage, founder of Russell Sage Studio said: “Designing Lilibet’s was an invitation to imagine life at No.17 Bruton Street. We layered the space with tactile richness and historical nuance: handwoven Gainsborough silks line the walls, echoing the craftsmanship of one of England’s last silk mills; an antique fireplace anchors the room with quiet grandeur along with specially commissioned wall coverings, hand etched mirrors and key restoration pieces. Every element was chosen to tell a story of layered beauty that rewards time well spent.”
Bookings will be available here: www.lilibetsrestaurant.com
