Premier Hospitality

Veneta

Veneta
Written by Roma Publications

Veneta – Echoes of ‘La Serenissima’

Veneta

Picture credit: Tolga Akmen

Inspired by the timeless opulent splendour and magic of Venice, Veneta is a stunning new charcuterie bar and restaurant, now open in the heart of St James’s Market, Regent Street, London.

With its breathtaking architecture, winding canals and endless mysterious passageways, Venice is one of the most enthralling and alluring cities in the world, earning the title of ‘La Serenissima’ (the most serene).

The city has a long and rich culinary heritage, partly due to the key role it played on the silk and spice route and the many cultures it has mixed with over the centuries.

The 110-cover Veneta reflects that ambience, showcasing its own distinctive spin on Venetian food and food culture.

Designed by Macaulay Sinclair, the project to create Veneta was carried out for the Salt Yard Group, with Chef Director and Salt Yard Group co-founder Ben Tish, and Head Chef Jamie Thickett (formerly of Opera Tavern) overseeing the menu.

Main contractors were Du Bouley.

The stunning interior design of Veneta has created an enchanting two floor dining space for all-day dining, with areas including classic bar-counter seating, turquoise banquette booths with Murano glass dividers and intimate tables, together with a touch of contemporary glamour inspired by Venice from a bygone area.

The main dining area benefits from impressive double-height ceilings adorned with handcrafted ironwork chandeliers from Matt Livsey Hammond, while specially-commissioned oil paintings and glasswork from Ramon Otting reflect the distinctive hue of water that surrounds Venice.

An elegant bespoke stairway with intricate detailing leads guests on to the mezzanine floor of the restaurant; which provides e a vantage point over the bustling floor below, and is available for exclusive hire and private parties.

Throughout, the space is adorned with traditional Venetian blown glass fixtures and sinuous tree-like chandeliers.

The menu too is inspired by classic Venetian dishes, cooking techniques and the amazing produce from the region. A classic raw bar offers a selection of delicious British and Venetian seafood, and carefully sourced artisan cheese from the Veneto region is served from a beautiful handmade trolley.

Mostly based on Venetian classics and cooking techniques dishes on offer might include: kid goat ragu with fresh pappardelle; charcoal grilled monkfish with anchovy sauce and salsify; chicken braised in almond milk with Medjool dates and saffron; roast duck with peverada, pickled pear and radicchio; and mackerel cooked in laurel with grapes, samphire and riesling vinegar

Breakfast is also a delight, offering both indulgent and healthy options, all with a Venetian twist. Dishes on offer could include: fresh fried fritelle with jam, chocolate and saffron custard; burrata with roast plums, hazelnuts and tarragon and smoked Scottish salmon, black truffle butter, scrambled eggs and polenta brioche speck and basil.

The wine list reflects one of the oldest wine heritages in the world and exclusively features wines from Northern Italy.

Salt Yard group was set up by Sanja Morris and Simon Mullins in 2005 with the opening of Salt Yard in Fitzrovia.

With backgrounds in the public sector and advertising respectively, they relied on their knowledge of eating out around Spain and Italy (and New York) – more than on any professional know-how – to inspire their concept of a small, friendly restaurant serving dishes to share, alongside good wine and by staff who had a personal touch.

Ben Tish joined as Head Chef in 2006 following a classical training in some of London and the UK’s best restaurants and hotels and swiftly went on to become Executive Chef.

Veneta is the latest restaurant by Salt Yard Group, who also own and run Salt Yard, Dehesa, Opera Tavern and Ember Yard.

Veneta

Picture credit: Tolga Akmen

Taylor’s Classics

Taylor’s Classics specialise in the design, manufacturing and restoration of furniture for the hospitality industry including pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels. The firm’s collections include traditional and modern classics as well as reclaimed antique furniture.

Taylor’s Classics was founded by Martin Taylor in 1978 as dealers in antiques from the 17th century through to the art deco period. Since 2005 the company has used its expertise to supply new high quality furniture to the hospitality sector.

For Veneta, Taylor’s Classics were commissioned to make a wide range of bespoke furniture including chairs and tables. Previous clients for the company include Brunning and Price, Soho House, Living Ventures and Dishoom.

Roger Belham, from Taylor’s Classics, commented:

“This project was a great opportunity to be involved with the Saltyard Group who have a very clear view of their development. We always enjoy being involved with creative and challenging projects that enable us to use the skills of our craftsmen and help to produce an elegant but functional interior for our customer.”

Roger added:

“We pride ourselves in providing furniture of the highest quality and making life straightforward for our customers. We hope to help produce stunning interiors that will work for many years to come.”

Matt Livsey Hammond Ltd

Matt Livsey Hammond Ltd specialise in the manufacture and supply of fine bespoke metal balustrading, architectural metalwork, interior gates and furniture for the hospitality industry. The company combine traditional blacksmith arts, carving and casting methods with modern hi-tech production techniques, and work in wrought iron, cast iron, steel, bronze and aluminium, often combined with other materials including gold, silver, glass and semi-precious stones. Matt Livsey Hammond also offer a wide range of finishes, including chemical patination, clear and coloured waxing, specialist paint finishing, gilding and plating.

Matt Livsey Hammond have been in operation for over 22 years and within this time have worked for a wide range of interior designers, architects and private clients. Recent commissions have included elaborate curving balustrades for a French chateau, luxury Verbier chalet and magnificent Mayfair townhouse, along with finely sculptured super-sofas, interior gates and enormous steel, wood and glass cabinets for a Grade II listed London mansion.

Most recently, Matt Livsey Hammond have been involved in the Veneta project.  Working on Veneta, Matt Livsey Hammond provided bespoke chandeliers and ornate metal balustrading.

The company were delighted to be involved as a lot of their work is for private clients who ask to remain anonymous and ask for the work not to be photographed. They welcomed the opportunity to be involved in a high profile commission where lots of people will see the work. They also appreciated The Salt Yard Group’s commitment to quality, and passion for what they do, so felt it was a great project to be involved in.

Matt Livsey Hammond Ltd are a small artisan team and pride themselves in providing truly beautiful metalwork to the highest standard; their trademark appearance is one of elegance, balance and fluidity. The detailed quality and artists’ attention to detail are evident in every piece of work, whether on the scale of the ornate baroque staircase balustrading commissioned for a palace, or the delicate filigree ornamentation ordered to complement a piece of furniture. The team’s enthusiasm and commitment are evident in every project, and they are delighted to have been commissioned to supply metalwork and furniture for some of the most exclusive properties in the UK and around the world.

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Roma Publications