Rhubarb to open three restaurant and bar concepts at 20 Fenchurch Street
At 38 storeys high, 20 Fenchurch Street, which is being jointly developed by Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group, will house mainly office tenants although it will be topped by three floors of dining and events space and a Sky Garden.
It is these levels at the top of the tower which will be designed and operated by Rhubarb following today's announcement of a 'significant leasing deal' between the company and the building's developers.
Exceptional
Rhubarb has plans to create a food bar on level 35 which will serve champagne and canapés, a 'chic brasserie' on the 36th floor and a 'refined seafood bar and grill' on Level 37. The team will also be providing catering services for office tenants as well as an event catering service which will build on the firm's existing relationship with Heston Blumenthal.
"We are delighted to be developing three distinctive new food and drink concepts in the heart of the city," said Helen Bowey, retail director at Rhubarb. "There will be a diverse range of menus and offers available from classic to innovative dishes and a sophisticated sea food counter to a stylish food bar.
"The Sky Garden will provide 21st century dining at its best set across three floors and with exceptional views of the Capital,” she added.
Founded in 1996, Rhubarb currently operates restaurants and bars at a number of events and in permanent locations including the Royal Albert Hall.
20 Fenchurch Street
Construction of the distinctive 20 Fenchurch Street tower began in early 2011. Designed by leading architect Rafael Viñoly, the building flares outwards from a narrow base.
The building is already over 50 per cent let more than a year ahead of completion - financial services firms RSA, Markel, Ascot and Kiln Group have already been confirmed as tenants.
The Sky Garden part of the development has been designed by landscape architects Gillespies and will be installed by Willerby Landscapes which worked extensively on the Olympic Park.
Camille Waxer, chief administrative officer at Canary Wharf Group, said: "Rhubarb has an excellent reputation, both in the UK and internationally.
"Its track record at London City Airport, Royal Albert Hall, American Airlines and elsewhere demonstrates innovation, with service standards that are second to none. Above all it is a remarkably spirited company that thrives on a challenge," she added.