THE INTERIOR architecture and design studio behind the new Gridiron restaurant within COMO Metropolitan London Hotel in Old Park Lane, Mayfair has been revealed as Nottingham-based Macaulay Sinclair.

The studio, which specialises in creating exceptional spaces for the hospitality sector, has transformed the former Met Bar into the new 60-cover restaurant and bar, which opened this autumn.

Headed up by co-directors John Macaulay and Mike Sinclair, the studio has worked with a number of well-known multi-site and independent restaurant and bar operators across London and beyond, including Hawksmoor, Dishoom and Wright Brothers.

Mike Sinclair said: “The Met Bar was a go-to London destination and the celebrity haunt of the nineties and noughties era. We are proud to have been part of the team to bring an indulgent and intimate dining experience into such a landmark location.”

The prestigious venue will be overseen by renowned chef Richard H. Turner of Turner and George, Blacklock, Hawksmoor and Meatopia.

Mike continued: “In order to give the new restaurant and bar its own identity while remaining synonymous with the COMO brand the interior design has been kept simple and understated, providing a subtle backdrop for Turner’s kitchen.”

Paying homage to the art of grilling over an open fire, the new restaurant has an open kitchen with modern live-fire grillroom.

The interior is dominated by monochrome palette throughout, with accents of red, dark wood and marble. Wall finishings remain simple and sleek, and the stripped back furniture matches the ethos of the food and service: comfort and style without unnecessary formality.

The restaurant’s history, menu and ethos are also communicated through a collection of carefully curated drawings depicting historic cooking implements and meat cuts, communicating the origins of the live-fire restaurant cooking and the provenance of the produce.

“With every project that we work on we take into consideration the heritage of the building itself as well as the brand narrative,” added Mike.

“Transforming such an iconic London location was really exciting for us. It was also our first time working with the COMO brand and we’re thrilled with the result.”

For more information about Macaulay Sinclair visit www.macaulaysinclair.com