The heart of Central London is welcoming a brand new restaurant this summer.
The Strand Dining Rooms is opening just a stone’s throw from one of the capitals most popular destinations; Trafalgar Square.
The restaurant is opening as part of the renovation of the previously named ‘1-3 Grand Buildings’, an aptly named beautiful, large building to the left of Charing Cross station.
The Strand Dining Rooms is the first solo project by Mark Harris; founder of Harris Restaurant Consultants. Harris has previously held positions at renowned restaurants, including The Capital Hotel, Simon Parker Bowles’ Green’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar, and Searcy’s at The Gherkin. He is now offering his own vision for the London restaurant scene with The Strand Dining Rooms.
Mark Harris said:
“London is buzzing at the moment and I’m very excited by what will be offered at The Strand Dining Rooms. Delivering all day eating with real food, exceptional service and at all times offering value for money is very much at the core of everything I believe in. I have a great team around me, from Russell Sage Studios on the design side to 3 Interiors – the contractors who will realise the design. The building of the operational team has begun in earnest in preparation for a late spring opening. I am hoping The Strand Dining Rooms will be a wonderful addition to The Trafalgar Square area.”
The renovation of the old building has taken 14 weeks; beginning as an empty shell for the main contractors, Sauce Communications.
The Strand Dining Rooms is set to have over 180 covers, the majority of which will be situated on the ground floor, with a more intimate setting available for parties towards the rear of the restaurant on a slightly raised platform. The first floor will enable another 30 covers for the restaurant and all areas follow the same themed design, which was done by successful interior company 3 Interiors.
3 Interiors have a list of previous prestigious projects in and around London. The company have worked on projects such as The Claridge’s Hotel, Social Eating House, Café Murano, Connaught Hotel, The Goring and The Balcon as well as some private residences in the city.
A spokesperson from 3 Interiors said:
“As a proactive company we are ready to undertake all types of interior and refurbishment projects and to date, we can already boast of completing some very prestigious contracts.”
The company designed the interiors of the building to a very high standard. The walls are all finished with wallpaper and the hard furnishings are an eclectic mixture of stone and timber. Designer of the moment, Russell Sage Design, has finished the property with solid wood and beautiful details. The tables are of an oak finish and are surrounded by banquet style leather coated chairs in various colours. The internal finish is said to be ‘quintessentially’ British with the restaurant celebrating British food; both in keeping with the grand external appearance and taking inspiration from a railway Pullman Coach.
The restaurant also proudly displays a floor to ceiling wine rack, showing and serving the highest quality wines to future customers. Wine will play an important part at The Strand Dining Rooms, as it will boast an extensive yet concise wine list, serving red, white and rosé wines. The wine offerings was created by Mark Harris, who worked alongside specialist wine experts and suppliers such as Bibendum, Corney & Barrow, Flint Wines and Decorum Vintners, in order to comprise the menu.
Brian Stevenson, Contracts Manager of 3 Interiors said:
“The project ran smoothly, the only small issue was that there wasn’t originally a staircase so we had to have some steel works to create the staircase between the two floors. “
Lisburn based Russell Sage Design has been in operation for four years. On this project, the company took on the role of both the designer and the architect. During all their projects Russell Sage Design aims to create interiors that are timeless, beautiful, hardwearing and functional. The firm ensure that all of their design projects are finished with a unique look, a unique story and a strong sense of purpose and use hard wearing, functional materials, as well as adding exquisite detail for a personal touch.
Previous projects by Russell Sage Design include Pizza Express, Nandos, National Trust, St Pauls Cathedral, Stapleford Park Country Club and Abbey Road Studios. Russell Sage Design have also worked at The Goring Hotel in London to create the Royal Suite; formed from five bedrooms on the roof of hotel.
The experienced firm oversaw the transformation of The Goring Hotel suite, into a unique and distinctive 5-star Royal Suite during the spring of 2011. The two bedrooms and two reception room suites reflect the hotel’s high class elegance and passion for British quality. The venue’s CEO, Jeremy Goring said:
“When Russell designed our silk rooms over the past few years he managed to fill them with character and an amazingly English quality. They are built to last and just oozing glamour…they were absolutely brilliant and immediately became the most popular rooms with our clients. So when it came to the Royal Suite we felt Russell perfectly expressed the true style of The Goring.”
Russell Sage told Premier Hospitality he is extremely happy to be involved with the development of The Strand Dining Room. He added:
“We’re delighted to be supporting Mark Harris on this exciting project which is sure to be one of the stand out restaurant openings of 2014. We love Mark’s grand tradition for traditional hospitality and incredible attention to detail so look forward to contributing to a truly magical interior which guests will love.”
The menu for the restaurant is being kept under wraps, to be revealed upon the opening of the restaurant in the summer, however there are expectations of a classic European menu, mixed with a number of more modern contemporary British dishes to create a traditional and comfortable dining experience against the British backdrop. The restaurant also plans to provide an all-day dining service, so the menu will cater to the needs of different meals and appetites, and will also serve the diverse needs of its Central London location.
Surrounding The Strand Dining Rooms, the prime location of Trafalgar Square is home to a number of interesting tourist attractions, making it one of the city’s busiest areas. Trafalgar Square is home to Nelsons Column; a monument built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and an exceptionally popular attraction for a combination of both national and international visitors. Close to Nelsons Column, Trafalgar Square is also home to the Fourth Plinth which is used to temporarily display art works. Customers of The Strand Dining Rooms can enjoy the historical attractions whilst enjoying the best British meals.
For more information visit http://www.thestranddiningrooms.com
Ermine Engineering Ltd
Ermine Engineering Ltd specialise in structural steelwork, metal staircases, architectural metalwork and general metalwork. Founded in 1976 by Rick Francis the company has been in operation for over 30 years, initially starting up as a small engineering firm. As the firm expanded Rick acquired Barkwith Engineering in 1984, now based in Lincolnshire the firm has consolidated its reputation as a leading UK stairway specialist.
Since its inception Ermine Engineering Ltd has worked on projects such as the construction of Holland Park School, 82 Baker Street and The Science Museum. Most recently Ermine Engineering Ltd worked on The Strand Dining Rooms providing the architectural metalwork elements. Andy Judd, Director of Ermine Engineering Ltd said:
“We were really pleased to be involved with this project, working with a trusted contractor to provide a high quality product for the client.”
He added:
“We pride ourselves in the quality of our products and service.”
P F Copeland Ltd
PF Copeland Ltd is amongst Ireland’s leading metal fabricators specialising in custom made or bespoke stainless steel and mild steel fabrications. The versatile production methods encompass a wide variety of products for the construction industry including Public Art Structures, pedestrian bridges, mezzanine flooring, tanks and vessels and our full range of services include design, fabrication and installation. PF Copeland Ltd are a well-established firm, having been founded in the 1930’s and offering a full range of services throughout the British Isles and Europe.
Michael Copeland, Managing Director of PF Copeland, said:
“Recently working in conjunction with 3Interiors in London is important for us as the Strand Project, Trafalgar Square is prestigious and we are pleased to be associated with this project. Having also worked recently in Monaco with 3Interiors on an internal aluminium ceiling sculpture I would like to take the opportunity to wish the Company continued success.”
