Project Overview:

The works undertaken included the strip-out of two existing restaurants at ground floor level and fit-out of a new restaurant, including show kitchen, pastry production kitchen and new production kitchen at basement level. The Adam D. Tihany designed restaurant is designed to echo the 16th Century historical British style references with a subtle, elegant interior that is contemporary and innovative yet with a respect and understanding for tradition. The utilization of natural historical materials, such as wood, leather and iron, in modern ways has allowed Tihany to invoke a rustic but refined atmosphere.

Situation/Challenges:

The major challenge in undertaking these works was that the hotel remained operational throughout the construction phase. Whilst the connection to existing services was difficult the much more difficult aspect of the project was the demolition of primary structural columns supporting eight storeys of guestroom accommodation. All of the rooms above this demolition remained occupied throughout the works. This required intensive planning for the timing of the structural demolition works to mitigate the level of disturbance caused.

Outcome/result:

The restaurant was opened at the end of January 2011. The restaurant has received some of the greatest critical reviews of any UK restaurant both in terms of the cuisine and the architecture. Key features include uninterrupted views over Hyde Park, floor to ceiling glass walls providing a glimpse into the open kitchen and a contemporary stainless steel pulley system modeled on a 16th century design for the Royal British Court’s kitchens, the gears and cranks of which resemble the craftsmanship of an oversized watch, mechanically rotating a spit over an open fire.