Premier Hospitality

Hām West Hampstead

Hām
Written by Roma Publications

Hām

Hām, West Hampstead, is a neighbourhood restaurant championing produce from small British farms and artisan suppliers. Hām, which translates to home in Old English, opened earlier this year and has enjoyed a successful first few months in operation.

Alongside Head Chef Matt Osbourne, owners and friends Rose Tuckey and David Houten were inspired by the craftsmanship and passion of independent farmers, fishermen and cheesemakers, to open an authentic, local dining destination where guests truly feel at home.

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Matt has worked in kitchens such as The Ledbury, Terroirs, The Other Naughty Piglets and Salon in Brixton.  He most recently held the position of Head Chef at Toasted in East Dulwich and will bring his flair for creating interesting flavour combinations, where the highest quality ingredients take centre stage. With regularly changing menus, Hām reflects British cooking with hints of Matt’s Australian background.

Prior to opening, Matt commented:

“At Hām we are working with small suppliers to create a menu which will showcase the best possible ingredients available. We are working with people who are true craftsmen and women, we want to show people respect for what they passionately produce, with what we put on the plate. Hām will be like a buzzing living room, where friends and family come together to share food and stories.”

The interiors are designed by Rory Macpherson of Play Associates, who has created a warm and inviting dining destination. Hām subtly mixes modern elements with traditional design details, using contrasting textures and tones. The space makes use of exposed brick walls, powdered sea green leather and velvet banquette seating, curved lines and accents of antique brass.

Taking inspiration from Kenwood House in neighbouring Hampstead Heath, every detail has been carefully considered, from the intricate coving running along the walls to the blond chevron wood flooring. The energy of the restaurant flows from the elevated open kitchen, running along the back wall of the restaurant as guests watch chefs at work. At the leathered marble bar, guests are able to taste bites and drink from the thoughtfully curated wine menu. Speaking to Premier Hospitality about the challenges of the project and its importance, Rory commented:

“I think the biggest challenge was finding the balance between functionality and design. The all-day dining aspect was also a challenge. There are some restaurants that work really well with that but some that don’t. This was something that definitely needed a lot of thought. All the artwork, lighting and fixtures and fittings meet this remit.

“Our work is mainly residential but we’re now doing more commercial work. This is a great project, we’re really pleased with it and the client’s really pleased too. It’s a very nerve-racking time for anyone opening a first restaurant with so much to think about but we’ve fulfilled the design brief and that’s one less thing to worry about.”

Hām is open Wednesday thru Sunday, 10am – 11pm. To find out more about the restaurant, please visit www.hamwesthampstead.com.

Hām

 

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Roma Publications