A conservatory with a view

Formerly known as The Narrow, Gordon Ramsay has reopened the venue as Bread Street Kitchen on the River, which now incorporates a wrap-around conservatory to maximise diners’ views of the River Thames and the mouth of the Limehouse Basin.

The restaurant will serve many of Gordon’s famous dishes and while the previous conservatory was described on Tripadvisor as ‘cold’, the new Hampton Conservatories glazed extension ensures the expectations of the venue match up to the culinary ones. 

At over 20 metres in length and protruding 5m from the existing building, the new conservatory hugs the edge of the existing building and more than doubles its capacity, while allowing diners additional space, light, and the benefit of panoramic views during their meal.

The conservatory was designed to function equally well in winter as in summer: guests can enjoy an alfresco experience even in colder months but on warmer days, the bifold doors can be opened allowing guests to meander between the dining area and outside terrace.

Blackened Lead was selected as both the interior and exterior colour for the new conservatory as this reflected a similar shade chosen for the interior woodwork of the existing property. And to allow uncompromising views from first-floor windows, the apex of the conservatory roof was kept low. 

The to-ground side fenestration panels were designed without muntins (vertical and horizontal bars) to create multiple picture frame windows and a four-pane clerestory above ensures a traditional aesthetic. Significant forethought was also given to the lighting to incorporate a range of spot, feature, and pendant options to enhance the ambiance.

The addition of the conservatory no doubt makes the restaurant more appealing but with additional space, it can now be hired out for private functions too.

For more information about projects for restaurants and bars, see our commercial pages.