French hospitality group to make UK debut in London’s Mayfair

French hospitality group Loulou Groupe is set to make its UK debut in autumn 2026 with the launch of 16 Charles Street in London’s Mayfair.

Loulou Groupe was founded in 2016 by siblings Gilles and Claire Malafosse. Gilles is a restaurateur and his sister Claire is artistic director of the group.

The Parisian hospitality business, which takes its name from Loulou de la Falaise, the muse of French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, is behind restaurants such as Loulou Paris within the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Loulou Pirate in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, and the Loulou boat, which set sail in the Mediterranean this May.

To coincide with the UK opening, Loulou Groupe has launched members’ club Les Amis, which was described in press materials as a “new international community designed to bring together the extended Loulou family around the world”.

The London outpost occupies a 25,000 sq ft, Grade II*-listed Mayfair townhouse and has been dubbed a “London pied-à-terre” for its members, who will have access to all of Loulou Groupe’s sites.

The five-storey 16 Charles Street was the former home of high society hostess and philanthropist Dame Margaret Greville.

It will feature salons, bar spaces and restaurants, one of which will be a ground-floor French brasserie that remains open to the public.

The F&B offering is being led by executive chef Benoît Dargère, while the interior design is being overseen by Festen Architecture, as well as Corinne Sachot and Hadrien Breitenbac.

Loulou Groupe is also due to open new sites in Loulou Marbella and Loulou Porto Heli.