By News Reporters
Ollie Dabbous the “culinary messiah” chef looks set to open his second restaurant in Fitzrovia. Dabbous Enterprises Ltd made an application to Camden Council in October to make alterations to a restaurant at 18 Charlotte Street, currently operating as ‘Curryleaf’, to accommodate its new Barnyard brand restaurant.
The planning application submitted by Brinkworth Design Ltd on behalf of Dabbous states: “The new tenant Dabbous Enterprises Ltd propose to continue the A3 usage and operate as ‘Barnyard’, an informal restaurant and bar serving wholesome comfort food in a relaxed and upbeat environment.”
Dabbous asked Brinkworth “to produce a warm, high quality environment to launch the ‘Barnyard’ brand, to be frequented by families during the day and early afternoon, and by young adults in the evening and night”, according to the design and access statement submitted to Camden.
Brinkworth say in the statement that they have a strong collaborative relationship with their clients “having worked together on the Dabbous restaurant and Oskar’s Bar at 39 Whitfield Street, and an upcoming 12000sqft restaurant”.
Big Hospitality reported in September that Dabbous had trademarked the name Barnyard earlier in the year and that the chef was considering premises at Somerset House on The Strand.
Dabbous’ proposed restaurant in the Charlotte Street conservation area does not involve a change of use, unlike its existing restaurant and bar at 39 Whitfield Street, which was only granted permission with strict conditions after an appeal to the planning inspectorate.
The site at 39 Whitfield Street is next to a residential area on the corner of Scala Street. The planning inspector recognised the need for residents not to be disturbed late at night and insisted that no customers should be allowed on the premises after 11.30pm Monday to Saturday and after 10.30pm on Sunday, and that the ventilation machinery to be turned off at night.
Despite the strict conditions, Dabbous chose to go ahead and open the restaurant, and has been pushing for extending the opening hours ever since, much to the irritation of local residents. Currently there is another appeal pending with the Planning Inspectorate after Camden Council refused an application to extend the opening hours.
The Whitfield Street restaurant has been very popular with diners having had rave reviews which led to it being fully booked months ahead.