Centrally located on London’s vibrant South Bank, the luxury 5 star London Marriott Hotel, County Hall has breathtaking views of many of London’s famous sights, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Palace of Westminster. The view is the envy of many London hotels and now that Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar has opened (April 2012), the hotel can boast a bar and restaurant to rival the very best in the capital. Here you can enjoy the very best English steak in a traditional English building, surrounded by unique English furnishings and art.
Working closely with head designer Angie Newby-Stubbs of Blacksheep, interior contractor and furniture supplier Andy Thornton successfully delivered the decorative interior package. The company worked to concept drawings and a detailed brief from the designers, arranging inspections at the Andy Thornton workshops and providing samples for approval at every stage of the manufacturing process.
Centrepiece in the main bar area is an elegant cocktail bar, supplied by Andy Thornton, which features an illuminated bar counter in specially sourced ‘book-matched’ granite with a zinc bar top. The back fitting comprises of an ornate solid brass drinks gantry with open glazed shelving and four antique mirrors to effectively display the impressive selection of spirits. Underneath are specially manufactured stainless steel clad base units and stainless steel worktop.
Directly in front of the bar is a circular seating area, defined by four bespoke high wing-back curved deep button-backed sofas set around a circular patterned carpet. These have been upholstered in mustard leather to complement the carpet. Andy Thornton also supplied lounge chairs, tubs and coffee tables all manufactured specially to Blacksheep specifications.
To the sides of the foyer entrance, Andy Thornton installed brass-framed cloak cupboards with silvered mirrored doors and a brass clad wine display feature. There is also a free standing greeter station by the riverside entrance and a curved reception counter close to the restaurant.
In the restaurant the focal point is the Cheese & Chutney servery, which incorporates a mirrored counter and bespoke granite worktop and a display gantry in brass with decorative spinnings. Around the restaurant Andy Thornton also supplied three free-standing waiter stations in veneered oak with granite tops and mirrored splash backs.
Sumptuous leather Chesterfields fill the restaurant and bar, including one at nine metres in length, specially made with a slight radius to fit against the curved back wall. These are matched with a mix of bespoke side chairs, again manufactured to Blacksheep designs and upholstered in premium colour-dyed leathers with contrasting piping to give a contemporary feel. Cast iron table bases are matched with a mix of marble, oak and zinc clad tops. One feature table is 2.2 metres in diameter, accommodating ten private diners.
Angie Newby-Stubbs of Blacksheep commented: “From the inception of this project Andy Thornton have delivered on every level, from initial design discussions on the bespoke furniture to site delivery. All members of the team are professional and a delight to work with. Working in such close partnership has meant that this project was delivered to the highest standards expected not only of Blacksheep but also the client, Marriott International.”
