Balthazar — London, UK

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Balthazar restaurant with dark wood bar and brass counter, red leather bar stools and dim lighting
(Image credit: TBC)

Actor-turned-director-turned-restaurateur Keith McNally, who came to fame with the celebrated Odeon and Balthazar in New York, has finally arrived on London's culinary scene. The new Balthazar in Covent Garden sits opposite the Royal Opera House and became the talk of the town even before it opened. The impressive yet inviting space comes out of a collaboration between McNally as well as newly established London firm Method Architects and NY-based Grayling Design. Amid elaborate interior buttresses, oversized mirrors, carmine banquettes, tiled floors and cheery lighting, patrons can be forgiven for imagining themselves in fin-de-siècle Paris. Chef Robert Reid serves up hearty bistro dishes such as duck shepherd's pie and warm goat cheese and caramelised onion tart. The boulangerie next door offers a selection of artisan breads and homemade pastries.

Balthazar restaurant and bar, with large buttresses, extensive wine racks and red leather banquette seating

(Image credit: TBC)

Balthazar restaurant with red leather banquette seating, high pressed ceilings and ochre colored walls

(Image credit: TBC)

ADDRESS

4-6 Russell Street
WC2B 5HZ

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TF Chan

TF Chan is a former editor of Wallpaper* (2020-23), where he was responsible for the monthly print magazine, planning, commissioning, editing and writing long-lead content across all pillars. He also played a leading role in multi-channel editorial franchises, such as Wallpaper’s annual Design Awards, Guest Editor takeovers and Next Generation series. He aims to create world-class, visually-driven content while championing diversity, international representation and social impact. TF joined Wallpaper* as an intern in January 2013, and served as its commissioning editor from 2017-20, winning a 30 under 30 New Talent Award from the Professional Publishers’ Association. Born and raised in Hong Kong, he holds an undergraduate degree in history from Princeton University.