Arjun Waney relaunches Mayfair's Arts Club with Mark Ronson and Gwyneth Paltrow on board
Acclaimed restaurateur Arjun Waney has taken over the Arts Club in Mayfair and brought celebrities Mark Ronson and Gwyneth Paltrow on board.
Waney, who also co-owns Zuma, Roka and La Petit Maison as well as the forthcoming Aurelia and Banca, has taken over the historic club on Dover Street together with Gary Landesberg and will relaunch it in September.
The Arts Club, which was originally founded in 1863 by Lord Frederic Leighton and Charles Dickens, has undergone a complete refurbishment and on reopening will include a brasserie, library bar, gallery and private walled garden as well as a nightclub that will be open until 3am.
The venue will be managed by managing director Brian Clivaz, who previously worked at the Savoy and Home House, while the food offer will be overseen by chef director Raphael Duntoye of La Petite Maison.
British DJ and music producer Mark Ronson has come on board as music director, while actress Gwyneth Paltrow is chairing the club's membership committee and has also been involved in the design of the venue.
Serving an all-day menu from breakfast through to late night dinner, the Arts Club will offer a global menu of light and simple food that pays homage to the very best seasonal produce.
A substantial oyster bar will be a signature feature, while an in-house bakery fronted by executive pastry chef Claude La Marche, formerly of the Dorchester hotel, will offer a selection of pastries and cakes.
Duntoye commented: "Amazing food comes from chefs truly putting their heart and soul into what they do; we have a fantastic team here and in the kitchen to create something great. It is a rare opportunity to be able to be part of something with such history and to have the privilege to bring a new aspect to that."
Waney added: "The Arts Club is very much the place where creative individuals come together to meet, exchange ideas, eat, drink, entertain and relax. The new club restaurant masterminded by Raphael and his team will enhance the rarity this club offers, reclaiming the Arts Club's place at the heart of contemporary cultural life in London and the continent."
Caterer and Hotelkeeper 100: Arjun Waney >>
Giuliano Lotto and Waney brothers to launch new restaurant in Mayfair >>
The fame game - how celebrities can help your business >>
By Kerstin Kühn
E-mail your comments to Kerstin Kühn here.
Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Caterersearch.com jobs
