Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

Washing-Up

LONDON

Words: Catherine Martin Photography: © Ed Reeve

IN A BITE Covers: 82 Operator: Dorchester Collection Interior Design: Jouin Manku Lighting Design: Voyons Voir Headline Chef: Alain Ducasse Executive Chef: Jean-Philippe Blondet Restaurant Director: Enrico Baronetto Head Sommelier: Pierre-Marie Faure www.alainducasse-dorchester.com

In the 13 years since Jouin Manku first designed a restaurant for Alain Ducasse at The

Dorchester, the surrounding district of Mayfair has evolved to attract a much younger crowd, enticed by fancy new residential developments, fashion boutiques and an influx of trendy bars, clubs and eateries.

With that in mind, Dorchester Collection decided that its restaurant portfolio was in need of a refresh. The Grill relaunched last November with Tom Booton – the hotel’s youngest ever Head Chef – at the helm, while Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester has undergone a soft refurbishment, bringing a new energy to the space. In redefining the offer, the group once again turned to Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku – the Parisian duo behind a number of Ducasse’s ventures – challenging them to inject a more contemporary look and feel while retaining the restaurant’s much-loved soul that has been the setting for many a special occasion.

In the main dining area, the removal of screens at the entrance opens up the space to make for a more memorable arrival experience, while the introduction of curved wood and leather banquettes anchor the tables within. Taking inspiration from nearby Hyde Park, Jouin Manku’s concept plays with the idea of an atmospheric mist that cloaks an enchanted forest, lifting to reveal moments of magic. An airy palette of oak, cotton and zinc contrasts with the smoky hues of the custom-made furniture, while new floor lamps and cutglass candle holders twinkle come nightfall. Jouin Manku also designed a new carpet, its green and silver tones progressively lightening towards the centre of the room, suggesting the lifting of the mist to unveil the Table Lumière. The restaurant’s showpiece is a private dining experience with an ethereal setting, its shimmering curtain of fibre optics providing a dazzling backdrop to Ducasse’s seven-course tasting menu, in which fine seasonal produce combines with French haute-cuisine for dishes that are elegant and contemporary with a light and surprising twist. Following the debut of the new-look interiors, the three-Michelin starred cuisine now has a setting to match.