Columbo Group to open new Blues Kitchen in May
A new Blues Kitchen is set to open in London's Shoreditch on the site of the former Bar Music Hall.
Scheduled to open in May, the bar and restaurant is part of the Columbo Group and is the second Blues Kitchen after the first opened in Camden in 2009.
Set across two floors in a converted Victorian warehouse, the site will have capacity for 500 (and seats for 150), across two bars, a dining area, booth seating and a dance floor. A 1950s Airstream caravan will be cut in half and located at the back of the space, available for private hire or as a VIP drinks area.
Developed by American chef John Hargate, of the Brighton-based BBQ Shack, together with head chef and former Bodean's chef Klodan Drici, the menu will offer Texan barbecue-inspired dishes, such as smoked and grilled chicken, pork or beef, fries and homemade coleslaw. There will also be a live lobster tank on-site, with lobster available to order; plus fried alligator, fried catfish and steak.
Desserts will include Alabama mess and cheesecake, while drinks will focus on shakes such as Oreo cookie or chocolate and peanut butter; American bourbon and rye whiskey; and craft beers, alongside a list of American-inspired cocktails.
There will also be live music every evening, including acoustic blues, swing and touring acts. Previous guests at the Camden branch have included Gary Clark Jr and Seasick Steve.
This is the latest development for the Columbo Group, which also owns the London bars Paradise by Way of Kensal Green, XOYO in Shoreditch, and the Nest in Dalston, as well as recent acquisition the Cat and Mutton.