Lilibet's: A Restaurant Is Opening in the Birthplace of Queen Elizabeth II

A royal-themed restaurant is set to open on Bruton Street.

Princess Elizabeth was born on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street, a Palladian mansion located in Mayfair. She became the longest-reigning monarch in British history, serving as Queen of England from 1952 until her death in 2022. The property has consistently held royal significance and is now poised to embark on a new chapter as the seafood restaurant Lilibet’s.

Lilibet is Mayfair's newly established restaurant inspired by royalty

Launching this September, Lilibet’s (lilibetsrestaurant.com) is directed by restaurateur Ross Shonhan, whose credentials encompass esteemed establishments like as Nobu and Zuma, along with Netsu and Strawfire throughout the Middle East. Named after Queen Elizabeth's familial moniker, the restaurant will leverage its historical significance, conjuring an aura of enduring elegance through its cuisine and decor.

The menu whimsically envisions a journey the former Princess may have had throughout the Mediterranean, featuring dishes such as fried crab thermidor, anchovy éclair, and lobster soup, all prepared with responsibly sourced meat and fish. A theatrical presentation would feature a seafood platter on a bespoke lazy Susan-style dish, while a 'fish triptych' will enable customers to choose their preferred fish, offered in three preparations: crudo, grilled, and as a soup.

An oyster bar will be available, along with a fireplace grill preparing meals such as entire turbot pil pil and lobster tails served over spaghetti. The dessert menu will feature Trou Normande (apple ice cream accompanied by Calvados) and an extravagant ‘princess cake’ crafted from genoise sponge.

Russell Sage Studio was commissioned to design the interiors, which are distinctive and feature hues reminiscent of the English countryside, including custom wallpaper inspired by the local region. An outside patio will offer an al fresco dining area suitable for all seasons, featuring heated chairs for the colder months. Concurrently, a cocktail bar will emphasize martinis in addition to other classic beverages.

“With Lilibet’s, our aim was to establish a lasting venue that will remain pertinent in twenty years, emphasizing exceptional hospitality,” states Shonhan. This location possesses an unforeseen past, which afforded us the liberty to exercise creativity. Lilibet will be an exceptional seafood restaurant that honors British products while incorporating international flavors. The design adheres to a consistent philosophy—sophisticated, yet incorporating unexpected elements. It pertains to executing tasks well while infusing individuality.

Princess Elizabeth's parents relocated to 17 Bruton Street, property of her Scottish grandparents, the Earl and Countess of Strathmore, few weeks prior to her birth. Upon her arrival, Queen Mary and George V visited her on the inaugural day, with the Queen noting in her journal that her granddaughter was ‘a little darling, with a wonderful complexion and attractive fair hair.’ Later that year, Elizabeth and her parents relocated to a more spacious residence in Piccadilly.

Since that time, a degree of intrigue has persisted regarding the late Queen's birthplace. Contrary to assertions that the home was obliterated during World conflict II, alternative historical documentation indicates that the structure was actually razed by property developers in 1937, before to the conflict. The opulent Chinese restaurant Hakkasan shares the 17 Bruton Street address with an office building, which is plausible given that the residence likely extended across five bays, as reported by the BBC. Nevertheless, the historical context of Lilibet's will undoubtedly captivate guests' interest.

Lilibet will inaugurate at Number 17 Bruton Street this September.