The glamorous dining room that was once Victor Garvey at the Midland Grand has sat empty since July. Now it is to be a restaurant again, with the famed steak group Hawksmoor, known for its operational reliability, moving in.
Called Hawksmoor St Pancras, the restaurant will be the group’s eighth London operation. Hawksmoor will also take over the Gothic Bar, renaming it the Martini Bar.
Details remain slight but the well established Hawksmoor pattern is likely to be followed: excellent steaks and seafood, top cocktails, decent wines, and attentive service. The room is unlikely to change from its present incarnation, as it had been extensively refurbished for Patrick Powell’s original Midland Grand in 2023. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, it is broadly considered to be among London’s most beautiful dining rooms.
“There are very few buildings that Huw and I have always spoken about as dream Hawksmoors, and this is one,” said Hawksmoor co-founder Will Beckett. “As we approach the 20th anniversary of our first Hawksmoor restaurant, it feels perfect to be able to bring everything we’ve learned in London and beyond back to one of the most dramatic and gorgeous buildings in our hometown. Hopefully London will continue to feel as proud of Hawksmoor as we have always felt of London.”
“I’ve always loved working with incredible architectural heritage, and there are no finer buildings around,” said his business partner Huw Gott. “This feels perfect. It’s historic and full of life, a place where London and the world pass through every day. And what a history, and physical presence these spaces have — it’s incredibly exciting to have a setting like this for our newest Hawksmoor, and we’re loving thinking about what will go on the menu and drinks lists.”
The new Hawkmoor will seat 95, and will be open seven days a week, for lunch and supper. It will also offer a private dining room, a chef’s table, and an outdoor terrace with a stage for DJs.
It is hoped the new opening marks a happier chapter for the space, following the departure of Garvey. Since his leaving, the chef has been publically accused of being associated with a number of companies notable for their financial irregularities. Garvey denies wrongdoing through his lawyers and claims to be merely an employee with no control over management or finances.
For more information, visit thehawksmoor.com
