Russell Sage puts finishing touches on London department store of dining

The Kitty Hawk launches in London next week
Billed as a 'department store of dining', The Kitty Hawk launches in London next week
(Image credit: Russell Sage)

A new 'department store of dining' concept may scream hifalutin street food start-up – and godspeed the day that 'concepts' are put to bed altogether – but the food venues firm Wright & Bell's new project actually sounds pretty slick.

The Kitty Hawk – a 450-cover space located in the multi-million pound River Plate House near London's Finsbury Square, opening 21 November – will be an all-day gastro haven, meticulously curated and with a keen eye on local provenance and carefully-sourced produce and booze (think meats from lauded British butchers and artisanal spirits, among others). 

white dishes with food items

The kitchen’s ingredients have been sourced with provenance in mind

(Image credit: Russell Sage)

The space will include a grill restaurant, coffee shop and patisserie, a cocktail bar and a private dining room, all of which have been designed by Russell Sage. The man behind Dishoom and The Grain Store will be decking out the interiors with bare concrete and timber, copper, marble, blackened steel and stitched-leather seating throughout.

The concept is really one of versatility: The Kitty Hawk has been designed to function as a spot for casual drinks, formal dining, peripatetic working, business lunches and champagne brunches. Mornings will see freshly roasted coffees and homemade cakes and pastries, while in the evening the space will be reconstituted as a wine bar. As we say, versatility abounds.

As does business-savvy optimism; Wright & Bell is planning a further six venues across the City and the West End.

Dining room with tables and chairs

Designed by Russell Sage, the interiors take inspiration from the London’s vibrant heritage and New York City glamour

(Image credit: Russell Sage)

well designed stairway

The result is a wonderful mix of exposed timber and concrete, blackened steel, copper, marble...

(Image credit: Russell Sage)

kitchen room with table and chairs

...and hand-stitched leather seating for a striking setting

(Image credit: Russell Sage)

food items and jar

The culinary hub is delineated into different areas serving up something for everyone – think meats from lauded British butchers, light bites and artisanal spirits, among others

(Image credit: Russell Sage)

INFORMATION

The Kitty Hawk opens 21 November. For more information, visit the Kitty Hawk website

ADDRESS

The Kitty Hawk
11, 13 & 14 South Place
London EC2M 7EB

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Tom Howells is a London-based food journalist and editor. He’s written for Vogue, Waitrose Food, the Financial Times, The Fence, World of Interiors, Time Out and The Guardian, among others. His new book, An Opinionated Guide to London Wine, will be published by Hoxton Mini Press later this year.