Hix to open third London restaurant

London shoppers will soon be able to escape the retail rush with a glass of Champagne at Mark Hix’s latest restaurant and Champagne bar in Selfridges.

The restaurateur and food writer will open his third London restaurant within the Oxford Street department store in early March, as first reported by the drinks business in December last year.

The 90-cover restaurant and 40-seat Champagne bar will be situated on the ground floor mezzanine. In line with Hix’s reputation, the restaurant aims to serve traditional British food as well as European classics, remaining as seasonal as possible.

Hix spent 17 years as chef director of Caprice Holdings’ restaurants, which include London hotspots Le Caprice and Scott’s.

In April 2008 he left to set up his own ventures. Smithfield’s Hix Oyster & Chop House was the first, with the Hix Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis, Dorset, following soon after. His second London restaurant, Hix, opened in Soho in October 2009.

“I am delighted to have a second West End site and to be working with Selfridges on this exciting new project,” said Hix.

“My offer will be suited to food-lovers out to enjoy a fine meal but will also respond to the demands of busy shoppers.

“It will include light dishes available for brunch, lunch and dinner as well as offering smaller plates served at the Champagne and oyster bar.”

Ewan Venters, Selfridges food and restaurants director, said the store was delighted to welcome Hix into its flagship store and hoped to offer its customers “the best culinary experience in a department store anywhere in the world.”

Rupert Millar, 16.02.2010