Texture and 28°-50° restaurant group co-founder Xavier Rousset has unveiled plans for his next venture – a ‘small wine restaurant’ called Blandford Comptoir. It will open at the end of May on Blandford Street in Marylebone.

Rousset left the group he helped co-found with Agnar Sverrisson in 2007 in May last year. The restaurateur and wine expert, who has worked with Sverrisson since they met at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, said he was leaving to pursue other projects. And now we know what his next project will be.

Blandford Comptoir will serve a Mediterranean food (with Italian influences) small and large plates.

The menu will feature a selection of meat, seafood, raw and vegetable small and large plates, designed to be enjoyed in any order. Guests can choose to order three separate courses, or simply select a few plates to share in a group. Dishes include: Carpaccio of fassone beef and 36 month old parmesan; Sicilian red prawns; and Duck breast with tortellini of leg and figs. Fassone cote boeuf, with confit new season garlic and red wine jus will be available to share between two. Sunday lunch will also be served every week.

The 250-strong wine list features old and new world wine, as well as 40-50 champagnes. Rousset told Imbibe that some bins will be chosen by customers and well-known names from the wine world and the 40-cover restaurant, with 14-seater bar, will also serve wine-inspired cocktails on offer.

A second venue is expected to open at the end of July in the City.