Michelin House, Art Nouveau headquarters in South Kensington, England
Michelin House is a listed building in South Kensington that now functions as headquarters and restaurant space. The facade shows ceramic tiles with racing car motifs and colored glass windows that portray the round mascot of the brand.
The headquarters opened in 1911 as the first British branch of the French tire maker and used a then-novel concrete system. During the 1980s the building underwent full renovation and received its current use as dining and office location.
The Bibendum name comes from the tire company mascot that appears in several glass panels and now serves as the emblem for diners who visit the restaurant. The rooms link the industrial past with upscale dining that draws guests from across the city.
Access is via Fulham Road in the southern part of Kensington, where pedestrians can view the decorative outer facade easily. Wheelchair users find ground-level entrances that simplify the visit.
Three large glass windows were removed during the Second World War and stored in a safe location to protect them from bombing raids. After the war ended the panes returned to their original place and now adorn the facade again.
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