Bluebird Chelsea

Bluebird is an established café on the Kings Rd that is steeped in history. In 2015 we were asked by D & D to re design the outdoor courtyard space and provide the interior with a lush garden atmosphere.

The Courtyard at Bluebird has been designed to create intimate spaces between the “parasol’ trees and clusters of pots
The Courtyard at Bluebird has been designed to create intimate spaces between the “parasol’ trees and clusters of pots
Stage 1

The Brief

A key requirement of the project was to consider the practical requirements of a busy, working café set within the boundaries of a Grade II listed building. There was also a need for the space to be flexible due to the regular corporate events that they hosted. Its origins were as a noted Art Deco garage complex that was converted in 1997 to a restaurant.

Our courtyard design has drawn on its background, and the reputation it enjoys as a popular summer meeting place. Most importantly our intention was to create the feeling of an intimate garden space, within the bustling atmosphere.

Stage 2

Design and Build

Key to a successful design was softening the grey, hard landscaping, creating a more unified seating arrangement, introducing colour and harmonious planting, whilst at the same time respecting and blending in with the Bluebird brand identity. To lift the space visually we introduced copper, terracotta and Ipe timber as key materials to unify the space.

The planting was designed to suit the rigours of a working café, whilst allowing for seasonal interest, and some subtle colour. Night-time lighting was very important and the copper material continues into some of the more decorative lighting, with Fairy lights in the trees and Led lights under benches and bars.

View of the covered pergola in Bluebird’s courtyard with its new copper tables and hanging copper light, for a warm light atmosphere, night and day.
View of the covered pergola in Bluebird’s courtyard with its new copper tables and hanging copper light, for a warm light atmosphere, night and day.
Overview of the glass ceiling, punctuated by the light canopies of Bucida buceras. The red steel frames contrast strongly for a vivid effect, emphasizing the Grade 11 listed structure.
Overview of the glass ceiling, punctuated by the light canopies of Bucida buceras. The red steel frames contrast strongly for a vivid effect, emphasizing the Grade 11 listed structure.
Stage 3

Interior Garden

In 2016 the upstairs restaurant underwent a massive refurbishment, for which we were asked to propose a fresh new design that would include mature indoor trees as well as an English country side feel.

This was quite a logistical challenge and an exciting introduction to indoor planting on a massive scale. The atmosphere created by the nine superb Bucida trees (one is almost 6m tall!), the ferns, grasses and other low planting is dramatic but enchanting.

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The astroturf in Bluebird’s Courtyard in Chelsea defines the standing area, whilst all the planters and plants create some separation for the low dining tables and sofas. The space can be enjoyed in different ways whilst the furniture can still be moved around.
Some parasol trees, Liquidambar styraciflua, break up the space between the tables whilst giving a sense of height and trying to balance the tall imposing Bluebird building. They will look gorgeous in late autumn, becoming all colours from yellow to red.
Bluebird’s courtyard is decorated with hops to celebrate autumn and the festive beer season. The copper pendant lights and tables with the timber clad kitchen unit complete the palette of warm colours.
The grasses, Anemanthele lessoniana, planted all around the courtyard, move with the wind. They can be enjoyed and touched by everyone at Bluebird whilst creating privacy to customers when seated.
The grasses and other herbaceous plants are starting to wear their autumn colours, bringing a touch of seasonality to Bluebird’s courtyard in Chelsea. The planters are positioned to create a separation between the seating area and the walking path to the restaurant.
The Amelanchier lamarckii multi stem, in its handmade terracotta pot, and the grasses, Anemanthele lessoniana, catch the early morning light, in front of Bluebird Foodstore.
The lush planting creates some separation between the tables and offers seasonality and movement, contrasting to a strong geometrical layout. The Erigeron karvinskianus falls over the sides of the grp planter, hiding the base of the parasol tree, Liquidambar styraciflua.
A mix of evergreen herbaceous, shrubs and hedges with some deciduous plants have been planted together to try to offer a good balance of foliage in winter and flowers in summer. Here, the Agapanthus, Rosemarinus and Lavandula are planted individually in terracotta pots, whilst groups of Anemanthele lessoniana and Erigeron karvinskianus are in groups creating a soft moving effect. Some Hydrangea macrophylla are dotted around for their stunning flowers.
The high chairs and copper tables, designed by London Garden Designer, are perfect to grab a drink before heading to the Bluebird restaurant.
The built in copper tables were designed and hand made to fit in the existing pergola structure. They are complemented by tall chairs to make the whole area more seating friendly in the Bluebird Courtyard.
Detail of the steel girders and the glass roof, where the Bucida buceras trees grow happily, developing their light canopy towards the sky.
View of the dining area at Bluebird restaurant in Chelsea. The Bucida buceras trees have a strong presence, shaping the atmosphere.
The dramatic effect is created with some climbing plants along the red painted steel girders. The trees and their light canopy fill in the space, enchanting the atmosphere whilst catching some light from the sky.
Some Bucida buceras trees and some climbing plants frame the dining area, covering some of the original steel girders from the ancient Bluebird garage. The soft underplanting is lush and connects the high canopy to the dining tables.
The trunks and the steel girders create strong vertical lines to break up the space. They compliment each other whilst contrasting in colours to create an unusual indoor atmosphere for Bluebird Restaurant in Chelsea.
View of the dining area at Bluebird restaurant in Chelsea when seating on the leather banquette. The dainty canopy of the trees lets the light come through to the tables.
Detail of the texture chosen on the Urbis planter. They are part of the whole scheme: unusual, eclectic, different. Underplanted with lush exotic plants, they can be enjoyed by all at Bluebird restaurant.
The planters from Urbis are major features to enjoy whilst visiting Bluebird Restaurant in Chelsea.
Two trees are positioned in feature Urbis planters at the entrance of Bluebird Restaurant to welcome clients and to create a visual link with the dining area further back. The bar has also been planted for a nice lush effect.
The entrance bar at Bluebird Restaurant has been planted with an eclectic mix of hanging plants and tropical herbaceous to create a sense of uniqueness.
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Photos by Marianne Majerus