London steakhouse Hawksmoor has unveiled a New York outpost inside the Assembly Hall of the United Charities Building—just steps away from Gramercy Park. Originally designed by R. H. Robinson and completed in 1892, the landmarked structure received a sensitive refresh at the hand of design studio Macaulay Sinclair and Hawksmoor cofounder Huw Gott.
“Once we saw the building and understood the history of the space our job was easy—restore the building to its former glory and use reclaimed building materials and antique lighting to create a restaurant and bar that feel like they really belong in the space,” Gott says. “We’ve uncovered and restored many original features of this historic building and have scoured reclamation sites and antiques fairs in the UK and the U.S. for building materials and antique furniture to try to create a lived-in, been-there-forever feel that really feels like it belongs in this amazing building.”
Beneath stately 30-foot-high vaulted ceilings adorned with elaborate crown molding, guests dine against a handsome backdrop of original grandeur that includes stained glass, mosaic flooring, and wood panels. “It was under this ceiling that great reformers inspire packed crowds, bringing about real and important progress around issues such as women’s suffrage and children’s rights,” Gott adds. “It’s dramatic and beautiful and carries the weight of history.”
A wraparound, 50-seat bar clad with wood paneling and accented by vintage hanging lights heralds the arrival experience into the 146-seat dining room. Emerald leather booths are joined with tables made from reclaimed timber, while brass accents, patinaed mirrors, and antique furnishings from vintage art books to artwork infuse warmth and timelessness.
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