British all-day dining venture to open in West End
The Strand Dining Rooms, a 180 cover restaurant, will open in May 2014 as part of the re-development of 1-3 Grand Buildings on Trafalgar Square.
Harris, who founded Harris Restaurant Consultants after holding top positions at Green’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar and Searcy’s at The Gherkin, said: “London is buzzing at the moment and I'm very excited by what will be offered at The Strand Dining Rooms.
“Delivering all day eating with real food, exceptional service and at all times offering value for money is very much at the core of everything I believe in.”
British food, British backdrop
Harris has not yet confirmed a head chef, but said the restaurant would serve ‘a blend of traditional and contemporary British food’.
Wine will be central to The Strand Dining Rooms experience, and Harris has developed an ‘extensive yet concise’ wine list with suppliers Bibendum Wines, Corney & Barrow, Flint Wines and Decorum Vintners.
The restaurant interior, designed by Russell Sage Studios, will be based on the interior of a traditional Pullman Coach, with polished wood finishes and careful detailing for a 'quintessentially' British experience.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Mark Harris on this exciting project which is sure to be one of the stand out restaurant openings of 2014,” said Russell Sage.
“We love Mark’s grand tradition for traditional hospitality and incredible attention to detail so look forward to contributing to a truly magical interior which guests will love."
Harris said he hoped The Strand Dining Rooms would be a ‘wonderful addition’ to the Trafalgar Square area.
All-day dining
London has seen a surge in all-day dining of late, with the Duck & Waffle, SMITHS, Urban Meadow and Naamyaa just some of the capital’s restaurants offering food around the clock.
Managing director of foodservice analysts Horizons Peter Backman argued in 2012 that restaurants would need to start offering longer hours to appeal to the different needs of customers at different times.
