Julie’s restaurant

Rosanna Bossom

Nestled in the prestigious neighbourhood of Holland Park, the iconic Julie's Restaurant stands as a quintessential West London institution. Julie's was originally established in 1969 by Julie Hodgess, who was a renowned interior designer at that time. Her design aesthetic set the stage for an intimate and enchanting dining experience. She created a discreet address that became a celebrated  gathering spot for West Londoners. Now known for its rich history and status as a celebrity haunt, Julie's has welcomed a who’s who of cultural icons, including Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, Princess Diana, and Kate Moss, with each adding to the restaurant’s legendary narrative.

Julie's now embarks on an exciting new chapter under the stewardship of its new owner, Tara MacBain. 

Charting the Future

Under the dynamic leadership of Tara MacBain, Julie's is poised to maintain its legacy. MacBain aims to respect the restaurant’s past while steering it towards new culinary heights. Her vision is to blend the classic allure of the neighbourhood restaurant with cutting-edge dining trends, ensuring Julie's remains a pivotal part of the West London culinary landscape.

 MacBain said: “I feel so grateful for the opportunity to reimagine this iconic restaurant, especially one that is so close to my heart. Julie’s has become a West London institution and I look forward to continuing its legacy. It’s also no coincidence that our launch team consists almost entirely of west Londoners — it is so important to me that everyone involved in the project holds Julie’s to the same esteem and that we continue its unique story. I am so excited to welcome both original fans and a new generation of diners through our doors.”

French Cookery with a Contemporary Twist

At the heart of Julie’s transformation is the introduction of Owen Kenworthy, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef whose culinary expertise is set to redefine the British menu with influences of a French brasserie. His culinary journey is distinguished by a profound dedication to quality and creativity, hallmarks that have defined his approach to food. Kenworthy’s style is deeply influenced by both traditional British cuisine and the refined techniques of French gastronomy, allowing him to craft dishes that are both familiar and exhilaratingly new.

The menu at Julie's involves a careful balance between innovation and tradition. He is committed to sourcing the finest local ingredients, emphasising seasonal produce and sustainable practices. This commitment not only supports local farmers and producers but also ensures that the dishes served at Julie's are of the highest quality. Kenworthy’s commitment to innovation and quality is propelling Julie’s into the future as one of West London’s leading restaurants for fine dining. His leadership promises to invigorate Julie's with new energy and enthusiasm, making it a beacon for both gourmet dining and creative culinary exploration in the heart of London.

Redesigned by Rosanna Bossom

Rosanna Bossom's interior redesign pays homage to Julie's storied past while steering its aesthetic course into the future. The new interiors speak of elegance, warmth, and a meticulous attention to detail, creating spaces that invite diners to immerse themselves in a world where every corner tells a story. Bossom's designs fuse the timeless with the contemporary, offering guests a dining ambiance that is both enchanting and welcoming.

The updated interiors feature bespoke furniture pieces, banquettes, and lighting, and a refreshed colour palette that enhances the restaurant's historic charm. Interior details include statement features such as antique mirrored walls, embroidered leather chairs. The ground floor dining room and bar, along with the basement dining area, have been thoughtfully updated to create welcoming spaces for both new patrons and long-time fans. Her approach balances the rich history of this West London institution with a fresh, innovative perspective, ensuring that the interiors not only honour the original vision of founder Julie Hodgess but also propel Julie's into a new era under the guidance of its new owner.

Bossom's design strategy involves the creative use of space and materials to enhance the dining experience. The ground floor dining room and bar, as well as the basement dining area, have been reimagined to maximise both comfort and aesthetic appeal.  Through Bossom’s thoughtful and innovative interior design, Julie's will once again stand as a beacon of fine dining and exquisite style in West London.

Bespoke Elements and Artistic Touches

Rosanna Bossom’s design philosophy includes a strong emphasis on bespoke elements that are unique to Julie’s. This includes custom-designed furniture that not only fits the specific dimensions and style of the space but also reflects the restaurant’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality. The bespoke banquettes, upholstered in luxurious fabrics, offer both comfort and style, enhancing the dining experience.

Artistic touches are evident throughout, with curated artworks that reflect the cultural heritage of the area and the iconic status of the restaurant. These artworks are chosen not only for their aesthetic value but also for their ability to convey a story or a piece of history associated with Julie’s long-standing legacy.

Alfresco Terrace and Champagne Bar

The alfresco terrace, a beloved feature at Julie’s, continues to offer guests a splendid outdoor dining experience in the heart of Notting Hill. This space allows diners to enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere while dining under the stars. Additionally, the champagne bar, curated by established sommelier Romain Audrerie, offers an exquisite selection of wines & champagnes, further establishing Julie’s as a must-visit destination for those seeking a sophisticated dining experience.

A Seamless Operation

Emma Underwood comes in as the general manager to ensure that every aspect of Julie’s operations is seamless. Her role is crucial in maintaining the high standards set by Tara MacBain. Underwood’s proven  leadership is key to providing a consistent, high-quality customer experience, and reinforcing Julie’s reputation as a classic neighbourhood brasserie and a fabulous dining destination.

Continuing the Legacy

As Julie's Restaurant moves forward under Tara MacBain’s leadership, it will undoubtedly continue to attract a roster of A-list stars, maintaining its allure as a premier dining destination in London. The combination of Owen Kenworthy’s innovative culinary direction, Rosanna Bossom’s refreshed designs, and the strategic oversight by Tara MacBain will ensure that Julie’s remains a celebrated part of London’s dining scene, cherished not only by local residents but also by international visitors.

The Future Shines Bright

With a fusion of historic elegance and modern innovation, Julie’s Restaurant continues to define what it means to be a West London dining legend. Tara MacBain’s leadership promises to honour the rich legacy established by Julie Hodgess while propelling the restaurant into a new era of culinary excellence and refined ambience. Whether it’s for a casual visit to the champagne bar or a celebratory dinner on the alfresco terrace, Julie’s offers an unparalleled experience that secures its place in the vibrant tapestry of West London’s rich culinary and cultural history. This is a place where history is not just remembered, but made anew, where each visit offers an opportunity to be part of something truly special. Whether it's the allure of Chef Kenworthy's culinary creations, the charm of Rosanna Bossom's interiors, or the sheer magic of dining within a London icon, Julie's promises an experience that captivates and delights.