British-focused design to match Galvin brothers' menu at the Athenaeum

26 April 2016 by Janet Harmer

The work of British designers is set to complement the British menu of the new restaurant that will be operated by the Galvin brothers at London's Athenaeum hotel.

Kinnersley Kent Design, whose previous clients include the Historic Royal Palaces, Fortnum & Mason and Mercedes-Benz, is leading the project.

Jill Higgins, partner of the company, said: "The hotel has such a glamorous history. Our challenge was to retain the luxurious and friendly atmosphere that made this family-run hotel a London institution.

"The owners wanted the lobby to flow seamlessly into the bar and restaurant, encouraging guests to linger, enjoy and feel at home."

The British craftsmanship on display in the restaurant will include waiter stations, sideboards and bar tables created by Bradford-based Abrahams & Carlisle; conference and restaurant tables from Bampton Design in Oxfordshire and upholstery on the banquette seating by Hill Cross Furniture in North Yorkshire.

Jeremy Hopkins, general manager of the Athenaeum, said: 'We can't wait to reveal the new Athenaeum. We've worked very hard to get every detail absolutely right."

It will be the first time the Galvin brothers will have taken over the entire food and beverage operation at a hotel to include breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, room service and events.

They currently run three hotel restaurants: Galvin at Windows at the London Hilton on Park Lane, the Pompadour by Galvin and Galvin Brasserie de Luxe at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, as well as four standalone restaurants.

The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences was built as a private residence in 1849 and bought in 1971 by the Rank Organisation, which converted the building into a hotel. It was bought by family-owned Ralph Trustees in 1992, which also owns and operates the Grove hotel in Hertfordshire, the Runnymede hotel & spa in Windsor and 23 Greengarden House apartments, off Oxford Street, London. Ralph Trustees Limited continues to operate the Athenaeum under a long-term management agreement after selling its leasehold interest to the freeholder, Sir Richard Sutton Estates, earlier this year.