Starting off at the The Thomas Cubitt in 2005, Justin Thomas has quickly built a thriving mini-empire of upmarket dining pubs, originally all around Belgravia, but now – with The Grazing Goat – in Marble Arch too.
How important is dining by design?
It's vital, both for our customers and our team. We endeavour to create open spaces which feel intimate when required, while creating ease of movement for staff. Our designs, like our menus, are eclectically British. We draw on classic, timeless interiors which reflect the age and history of the individual buildings. And gentle lighting, changing in response to time and weather is essential.
From where does your building interest come?
Our partners run a property development business specialising in high end residential refurbishments in central London. One recent project is a 4,000 square foot six bedroom Belgravia family townhouse off Eaton Square. With a dedicated team of almost 60 craftsmen we can keep the pub operations looking fresh. We all have an interest in, and eye for, architecture.
What were the most significant challenges when rehabilitating The Grazing Goat?
Rehabilitating is an interesting term! Beyond the façade we totally gutted it, demolishing a lean-to to create an additional 2,500 square feet over two floors. This allowed us to carve out grand dining areas and eight luxury hotel rooms. We also added a new mansard roof level and dug out the basement for new kitchens and loos.
How have your previous venues informed its design?
We tend to use traditional panelling and cornicing which all stems from our first pub, The Thomas Cubitt which we opened in 2005. But each venue definitely has its own personality. My favourite style is Georgian.
What materials are key to the fit?
It's all about creating a relationship between the old and the new. We use a lot of sustainable wood. In the Grazing Goat we've used seasoned Forest Stewardship Council Certified Tulipwood from Virginia for the wall panelling that in time will weather well and darken slightly. This will blend well with the reclaimed aspects better and better.
Is building to last in London hospitality rare?
Perhaps, but we feel that our buildings will actually look better as they mature, especially when considering the quality of material and fittings. A solid brass hinge will endure and look great in 50 years time, thus adding to the feel that it's been there forever.
What other dining venues have impressed you architecturally?
Galvin La Chapelle in Spital Square because of the great use of a stunning former school hall building and at the same time showing off the building's character, Hawksmoor in Seven Dials for space and wooden rawness, The Ivy Club because of the clever design of the space and the Dean Street Townhouse for its home from home feel. I also like the Zetter Townhouse where the interior design is both intimate and bijou.
www.cubitthouse.co.uk
