In the centre of Marylebone, London, The Cavendish has become a go-to spot that combines the feel of a friendly local with polished, design-led spaces. The site once housed the restaurant Fat of the Land, but when The Cavendish opened two years ago, the team took on the task of redesigning the upstairs dining area to make it warm, welcoming, and flexible enough for everything from casual dinners to private events.
The space upstairs has an interesting history. It had been a cocktail bar and, before that, a Champagne and oyster bar. The built-in ice troughs from those days still remain as a quirky design detail. The renovation was very much a personal project for the team. The private dining room was rebuilt by General Manager Serena Newton’s father, while a scenic artist who had worked on the Game of Thrones set painted the walls. Even the cushions in the dining lounge were handmade by a former bar manager. These personal touches give the space a unique character and a sense of care that’s hard to replicate.
A striking feature of the upstairs dining room is its sculptural ceiling light. Suspended in a delicate, web-like structure, the golden glass globes give off a warm, inviting glow that bounces across the walls, adding both drama and intimacy to the space. Its organic form echoes the relaxed elegance of the room, while the soft amber light enhances the cosy, welcoming feel that the team set out to achieve.
Art is a big part of The Cavendish’s look and feel. Working with Signet Gallery, the venue displays a changing collection of work by artists such as Nathan Neven, Borja Guijarro, Paul Jansen, and Michael Abrams. Pieces are on seasonal rotation and are available for guests to buy, meaning the art changes regularly and the interiors always feel fresh.
The design style is best described as modern yet cosy. Downstairs, exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and soft booth seating create a relaxed but stylish atmosphere. Carefully chosen artworks add splashes of colour and personality without overwhelming the space. Upstairs, the lounge-style dining area feels more intimate, perfect for relaxed meals, special occasions, or quiet meetings.
From the start, the goal for The Cavendish’s design was clear — to keep the warm, familiar feeling of a good neighbourhood pub while offering the kind of quality food, drink, and service you might expect from a high-end restaurant. This mix of comfort and refinement has helped it become a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike.
With its blend of thoughtful design, ever-changing art, and spaces full of personal stories, The Cavendish is more than just a place to eat or drink. It’s somewhere guests can feel at home, surrounded by interiors that reflect the creativity and care of the people behind it.
