147 Leadenhall
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147 Leadenhall Streed as seen from Leadenhall Market
Marcus Robinson Download Original
Conversion of a listed banking hall in the heart of the City of London into a restaurant, bar and brasserie
The grade II listed building has been converted into the Prism Restaurant, complete with bar and orangerie. The main banking hall, with ornate plastered ceilings and cream marble floors, has been restored to the original architect's vision.
Alterations to the existing concrete structure were minimal, with two major structural moves – the creation of an extension within a former lightwell, and the insertion of a brick drum to enclose a new spiral stair.
From the banking hall, diners can look upwards to a first-floor mezzanine for private dining, or through to the full-height extension.The lightwell along the length of the hall has been enclosed to form the elegant conservatory-like extension that suffuses the restaurant with daylight.
The new insertions were treated as free-standing objects that allow the contemporary design to sit within the existing building.
The lower floor houses the kitchens, the WCs (fitted out with glass tile floors), and a bar. The bar has leather banquettes, a reclaimed mahogany floor, and a sleek triple-layered glass bar top.
Data
- Begun: 1999
- Completed: 2000
- Sector: Sports and leisure
- Total cost: £2.1M
- Tender date: 1998
- Procurement: JCT 81
- Address: Prism Restaurant, 147 Leadenhall St, London, EC3V 4QT, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands
- Project architects: Anna Currie, Ben Knight, Christine Otter, Gemma Robinson, Ian Davidson, Paul Altham-Lewis, Paul Sandilands, Silvano Cranchi, Suzanne Zenker, Vanessa Dickson
- Client: Harvey Nichols Restaurants
- Employer's Agent: E C Harris
- Lighting : Speirs and Major
- Structural engineer: WSP
- Services engineer: WSP
- Services engineer: Services Design Partnership
- Main contractor: Wates Interiors
- M&E contractor: Mitie Engineering
Suppliers
- Kitchens: Hansens Kitchens
- Specialist joinery and furniture: Becher Joinery
- Spiral stairs: Spiral Construction
- Hardwood floors: Victorian Wood Works
- Carpentry/ joinery: Parkrose Builders
