Bringing with him a wealth of culinary experience, Lee Westcott has launched his first solo venture – The Typing Room. Situated on the former site of Nuno Mendes’ Viajante within the Town Hall Hotel, the new restaurant features a tranquil interior that takes the natural environment as its inspiration.
The imposing Town Hall building, which has stood in the heart of London’s vibrant East End since Edwardian times, reopened its doors in April 2010 as Town Hall Hotel. After a visionary extension and a sensitive restoration under the direction of Rare Architecture, Town Hall Hotel now offers a new concept for London’s culturally diverse and energetic East End.
Lee Westcott returns to London having joined Jason Atherton’s team of executive chefs and running his two Hong Kong restaurants, 22 Ships and Ham & Sherry. Before that, he spent four years working alongside Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens, heading up the kitchen at his eponymous Chelsea restaurant.
The Typing Room is so named after Town Hall’s original typing room, where all communications from the mayor, council and judicial system were put to ink. Designers Ariana Rees Roberts and Lucinda Johnson have taken inspiration from the natural landscape to create a relaxed and inviting environment for diners, whilst respecting the original historic features of the building dating back to 1910.
Natural materials including oak, marble and ceramic adorn the restaurant, with touches of brushed brass providing warmth. The open kitchen has been designed as a focal point of the space, injecting energy into the room. The artwork nods to the restaurant’s East London setting and hotel history.
“We are extremely excited to introduce this new restaurant venture to the area and to our guests,” says Marie Baxter, general manager of Town Hall Hotel. “Lee has been focusing on an elegant yet casual dining experience, with a relaxed service. The creative menu, together with the newly-decorated room and a brilliant team brings it all together.”
