According to a recent article from the Chicago Eater, Hawksmoor will be opening a new location at The LaSalle Street Cable Car Powerhouse, located at 500 N La Salle St.
“After announcing early plans for a flagship restaurant in Chicago in early 2023, Hawksmoor, one of London’s best-loved restaurants that’s currently ranked #2 Best Steakhouse in the World, reveals brand new design details for its opening in River North, slated for spring 2024,” a press release sent to What Now Chicago states.
“The original Hawksmoor was opened in 2006 by childhood friends, Will Beckett and Huw Gott in a then-unfashionable part of East London. They served steaks from ethically reared cattle and sustainably sourced seafood alongside one of the country’s most progressive cocktail programs. Hawksmoor quickly went on to win the hearts of diners and the approval of critics, subsequently launching additional locations, including a restaurant in Dublin, Ireland in 2023.”
“The UK restaurants have won many accolades and awards, including twice winning Best International Restaurant Bar at Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards in New Orleans. In September 2021, Hawksmoor opened its first U.S. location in New York, receiving widespread critical acclaim (Eater: New York’s Hottest Steakhouse, Pete Wells, The New York Times: Does New York Need a British Steakhouse? Yes, If Its Hawksmoor.)”
“Now, the team is in the midst of restoring a designated Chicago landmark—The LaSalle Street Cable Car Powerhouse, a 16,500 square foot three-story space at 500 N LaSalle Street, which was first opened in 1887. In its heyday, it pulled thousands of cable cars that brought approximately 100,000 workers into downtown Chicago each day.”
“Hawksmoor Head of Design, Mai-Yee Ng explains: “The building is a rare surviving piece of Chicago’s transportation history, and we are leaning on its past to inspire the space. We’re restoring many of its original features, such as barrel-vaulted ceilings, exposed timber joists, and brickwork, whilst elevating the space by introducing new elements inspired by the Golden Age of Travel.”
“Upon arrival, guests will be guided through a triple-height reception to the first-floor dining room, which seats up to 125 guests, including wraparound bar dining. Luxurious corded, velvet booths in complimentary hues of blues and greens are assembled throughout the space, showcasing over Hawksmoor’s signature parquet block flooring.”
“Holophane glass pendant lights reclaimed from the historic Nairn Mill in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, seamlessly complement wall finishes of warm, timeless, timber paneling and a central, canopied, brass bar set amongst glazed brick tiles. In a nod to the original owner of the building, Charles Tyson Yerkes, who played a major role in developing mass-transit systems in London as well as Chicago, the tiles are inspired by those found in London Underground stations.”
“The second floor, 76-cover dining room, features a timber bar and highlights golden ochre fixed seating with larger booths in plush deep marine blue. Restored Parisian holophane glass street lamps hang from exposed timber joists in a space that offers a range of dining possibilities and can be hired for events and parties. Additionally, there will be two bookable private dining rooms available for large groups including one for up to 22 guests and a second more intimate option for up to 16.”
“Hawksmoor’s obsession with quality and ethics has led them to work with individuals and companies who share their beliefs, from farmers and fishermen focusing on sustainability to local, national, and international charities fighting food poverty. In order to set ambitious targets and provide transparency about progress made, Hawksmoor has published an annual impact report here,” the press release adds.
