Conran and Partners was enlisted to create a new dining destination and bar also serving as the hotel’s all day offering, TH@51. The design of the space in its Victorian setting facing the listed courtyard with its landscaping and historic fountain alongside the glazed wintergarden led to an English garden inspired design concept that manifests itself both in the materiality as well as the artwork commissioned for the space. 

Bringing the outside in, the design carries a light and airy feel throughout, with views into the listed courtyard and fountain of the hotel. The stunning dining room where elegant wood cladding and a soft colour palette create a relaxing environment for guests. An open kitchen with a theatrical grill and chef’s table takes centre stage, while the striking bar area features intimate booth seating. Tina Norden, Partner at Conran and Partners commented: “We wanted to maximise the abundance of natural light that floods into the dining room and create a warm and welcoming environment for diners throughout the day as well as at night, when the atmosphere changes entirely. 

We worked with lots of natural materials and a muted colour palette inspired by English gardens and created a variety of seating options and arrangements to facilitate large groups as well as more intimate settings.” Guests enter the restaurant through a mirrored anteroom, connecting the restaurant to both the hotel’s foyer and the dedicated street entrance that also accesses the club. 

A bespoke wallpaper inspired by botanical illustrations designed collaboratively by two artists, is adorned with sketches of local British icons such as Dev Patel, Amy Winehouse, Alexander McQueen and Grayson Perry, providing a playful and engaging arrival experience as guests wait to be seated. A spectacular wood-panelled ceiling continues throughout the restaurant and includes discreet light fixtures designed to support moments of intimacy and creating a relaxed ambience. Rear and underlit banquette seating areas celebrate the natural tones of the ceiling above. 

The centrepiece of the semi-circular main dining space is a bespoke lighting feature in fluted glass and brass. The walls are lined in green lacquer panels echoing the style of the private members club and entrance lobby. Towards the conservatory, guests are drawn to the historic fountain in St James’ Courtyard through a series of arches, framing the neighbouring Victorian architecture. 

In addition to the hotels all day dining offering Conran and Partners was also enlisted create a new private member’s club, within the TAJ Buckingham Gate Hotel, Taj the Chambers. The project forms part of a wider collaboration between Conran and Partners and the Taj Hotel group, with the practice also involved in the design of Taj The Trees in Mumbai – the Group’s newest addition to their portfolio in India, which is currently under construction.