Premier Hospitality

Middleton’s Steakhouse and Grill

Middleton’s
Written by Roma Publications

Middleton’s Steakhouse and Grill

Middleton’s

The newly opened Middleton’s Steakhouse and Grill is a unique restaurant set in the heart of Leicester. It is the brand’s sixth and biggest steakhouse and grill to date.

Middleton’s Steakhouse and Grill serve up a delightful mix of prime cuts of meat, grills, burgers, fresh fish and homemade desserts. Along with this is the perfect selection of wines, beers and cocktails.

Previously a NatWest bank, the Grade II listed building was converted into a restaurant which opened this year. Designed by Devlin Design, the 5,450ft2 building included the restoration of existing plaster work and timber wall panelling, the installation of new drainage, heating and cooling services and lighting. The interior fit out also included the installation of a mezzanine floor and bar.

As the restaurant sits in such a unique and iconic building, the interior design had to reflect this but still keep the restaurant’s brand image in focus. “The interior design of the restaurant is a continuation of the Middletons brand but has been tailored so it’s sympathetic to the building and grandeur of the existing architecture,” commented Clare Devlin, Director and Interior Designer at Devlin Design.

“The other Middletons sites have more of an industrial feel; however this would not have been appropriate in this building.”

To continue the brand’s theme in a softer, more elegant way, materials such as black metalwork, wire mesh on the lampshades and brass in the wall panelling were used.

One of the most unique features of the building is the 50ft high dome ceiling, which was painted white to make the stained glass windows stand out more and is lit up to accentuate the existing decorative plaster work. Existing timber panelling was restored and refinished with a rich, dark stain and leather seating was used throughout the restaurant to add comfort for customers when enjoying their meal.

The decorative plaster work and timber panelling were the main original features to remain. The majority of the original features had been taken out by previous tenants.

“We used classic timber flooring mixed with coloured tiles in geometric patterns to add a sense of colour and fun to reflect the brand yet still be in keeping with the building itself,” added Clare. In order to add drama and a sense of grandeur to the interior a large four metre diameter chandelier with an eight metre drop was used, which accentuates the height of the building. Low level curtains were used behind the fixed seating to create a sense of intimacy for dinners as well as to help with the acoustics.

Other stand out features of the building that were used within the interior design includes beautiful marble wall panelling and original entrance doors. The marble panelling was hidden behind reproduction panelling in the entrance lobby which was then repaired and left exposed for customers to enjoy.

The building’s original entrance doors were hidden in the basement and were restored and reinstated. “Along with these, we have the original office door complete with brass sign and holder which has been reused for the toilet entrance door and the toilets were originally the counting room. These have had the original wall times restored as well,” commented Clare.

External work for the refurbishment included the repair and cleaning of the stonework as well as the fitting of new lighting that involved the repairing of original feature lanterns on either side of the entrance.

Due to the nature of the building, there were challenges that Clare and her team faced. “Creating a sense of intimacy for diners in such a large space, which I think we’ve achieved really well with the use of fixed seating, low level curtains and lighting, was one of the more difficult things we overcame,” added Clare. “We have a great team that work well together and make projects like this an enjoyable process. It’s been fantastic project to work on and has given me a great sense of achievement restoring the building back to it’s former glory; seeing it in use again, having been sat empty for many years.”

Middleton’s

Ecsec Ltd

With over 50 years’ experience in interior bar and restaurant fit out and build, Ecsec Ltd deliver projects with flexibility, high quality and punctuality in mind. Ecsec also undertake high-end retail and commercial interior developments.

The dedicated team at Ecsec has the experience and energy to tackle any challenge they face, promising a quality end product. The company has worked with multiple clients including Carluccio’s, Turtle Bay, Giraffe, Aviva, Smiths of Smithfield and of course, Middleton’s Steakhouse.

Premier Hospitality caught up with Christ Farthing, Managing Director of Ecsec Ltd, to discover some key information. Chris said:

“We were tasked with refitting the existing site a Grade 2* listed building in St Martins Leicester to a new Middleton’s Steakhouse & Grill. With the building being a former NatWest Bank and being empty for 16 years Ecsec faced a number of challenges which included repairing the existing rare Brazilian mahogany wood panelling, existing leaded light windows, forming a new mezzanine level, the fitting of a £15,000 feature chandelier in the ceiling dome 18m above the floor. Other features include Bronze panelling to the bar and walls, parquet flooring, and the manufacture of bespoke light fittings. The £1,500,000 project took 12 weeks to fit out and is the biggest site the Middleton’s chain has undertaken to date.

“We pride ourselves in our exceptional service and value for money and as such have developed long term working relationships with our clients.”

When asked how important it was to be involved with this particular project, Chris replied:

“All of our projects are important – but it is good to be involved with an up and coming concept!”

For further information please visit www.ecsec.com.

About the author

Roma Publications