First look: Quaglino’s rebirths ‘90s golden era with revamp

Quaglino’s, the iconic St James restaurant where the late Queen celebrated her marriage, has undergone a transformation to celebrate its hundredth birthday. The legendary eatery, which once hosted the likes of Princess Diana and Lord Mountbatten’s wife Edwina, is attempting to bring back the hedonism of the 1990s. Ron Cregan, historian for Evolv Group, revealed that the desserts will be available at a kiosk called a ‘Tabac,’ a nod to the ‘90s cigarette culture.

The revamped Quaglino’s features multiple stages for live music, a seafood bar, and a cocktail bar, creating a series of stories within the restaurant. The goal is to provide diners with more than just a place to sit and eat, as was the case during the long lunch era. Patsy and Edina from Ab Fab referred to the iconic restaurant as ‘Quags,’ a place that provided a hiding spot from prying eyes. During the ‘90s, Quaglino’s was a media haunt, attracting fashion, advertising, and design types.

The redesign is characterized by heavy use of velvet, gold mosaic, white marble, and the ‘Q’ motif, reminiscent of the ’90s ashtrays that guests used to steal as souvenirs. The restaurant’s central sweeping staircase, inspired by Sir Terence Conran’s iconic design, leads to the subterranean dining room. The new champagne bar offers a prime view of the musicians, adding to the overall experience.

Quaglino’s is now under the leadership of Evolv CEO and City AM columnist Martin Williams, who plans to give the restaurant a more serious culinary aspect. Colombian Michelin-starred chef Miller Prada will be the consultant chef, recreating the food Her Majesty enjoyed on her Coronation night. While food is no longer the primary focus, the restaurant aims to bring life to the late-night economy in Zone 1.