Ralph Lauren's Polo Bar Restaurant is Set to Open in London

The fashion brand has declared its intention to establish a restaurant in London, scheduled to launch in 2028 in the former Vogue House in Hanover Square, Mayfair.

Established in 1967 in New York, Ralph Lauren has maintained a strong association with London since the inauguration of its flagship store on New Bond Street in 1981. Currently, there are 12 shops distributed around the city, in addition to two locations of Ralph’s Coffee, and since 2006, the brand has served as the official outfitter for Wimbledon. Establishing a Polo Bar Restaurant seemed to be the logical progression.

“I have consistently drawn inspiration from the unique allure and cultural legacy of the British lifestyle,” states CEO and founder Ralph Lauren. There exists an effortless grace grounded in centuries of tradition—a fusion of ageless sophistication, subtle simplicity, and inherent elegance. The ideal equilibrium of sophistication and warmth, along with the solace of sharing a meal with cherished individuals, has consistently represented the essence of my restaurants.

The press statement states that the London venue will exhibit the brand's distinctive allure and enduring sophistication, offering a polished yet inviting dining experience. The restaurant group presents an all-American menu, featuring starters such as oysters, tuna tartare, and shrimp cocktail, followed by signature main courses including the corned beef sandwich (reportedly Lauren’s preferred choice), lobster roll, and grilled branzino, in addition to a variety of steaks and burgers.

A dedicated martini menu is available, along with a comprehensive array of cocktails that includes US-inspired options such as the Polo Bar Summer Punch, a concoction of tequila, watermelon, and lemon, and the Hamptons Spritz, crafted with St. Germain, Lillet Blanc, and cava.

The London restaurant will be incorporated into Ralph Lauren’s current hospitality portfolio, which comprises locations in Paris, Chicago, Milan, and Chengdu. It will undoubtedly feature the distinctive Polo Bar aesthetic: consider wooden paneling, equestrian-themed artwork, and leather banquettes. “Establishing a restaurant was a logical progression of the realms I construct,” Lauren stated in a promotional interview prior to the inauguration of the inaugural Polo Bar in 2015. I have designed the clothing, established the domestic settings, and now I have incorporated the cuisine, including coffee, to enhance life's richness and vibrancy. All my actions are motivated by the essence of life.

This establishment is part of a series of New York restaurants making their inaugural entry into London at this time. The renowned establishment Carbone has recently commenced operations at the former American Embassy in Mayfair, the cherished Greenwich Village bar Dante is thriving in its current residency at Claridge’s, and this autumn, Brooklyn’s Theodora is inaugurating its inaugural international residency in Soho.

There is a broader trend of fashion brands establishing culinary pop-ups and restaurants globally. Rixo's main store in Chelsea, London, features a cocktail bar, while Tiffany introduced its Blue Box Cafe to the city several years ago. Simultaneously, in New York, Louis Vuitton inaugurated a new café last year, Dior operates a café in Paris, and Gucci has established eateries in various places globally, including Florence and Tokyo.

Lauren established his namesake brand in 1967, originally introducing a range of men’s ties and subsequently expanding to a comprehensive menswear collection. In 1971, he unveiled the iconic pony symbol and subsequently expanded into women's fitted shirts, launching his inaugural womenswear collection the following year.