The concept is the brainchild of former hotelier Claire Lawson who seeks to ‘revolutionise the event sector in London’. It is funded by the Imbiba Partnership, whose other investments include fellow bar-restaurant groups Drake & Morganand Darwin & Wallace.
Camm & Hooper's inaugural venture is situated on the former Delfina restaurant and will be named Tanner & Co, comprising a 100-cover restaurant and eight-metre bar in the ‘front gallery’, and separate events space for up to 250 guests in the ‘second gallery’.
Lawson, who previously worked at Whitbread for over 20 years before moving to The Brewery in Chiswell Street, told BigHospitality the group is now ‘very keen to expand quickly’.
Second site
“The name Camm & Hooper comes from the guys who invented vertical takeoff and that really sums up our ethos,” she said. “We’re looking for about six sites over the next three years, and we’re very well-funded to do so.
“The other venues will definitely be in London - in the City and the West End. We do actually have a second site which we’re working on at the moment.”
Camm & Hooper’s primary aim will be in attracting the events market. Tanner & Co, which was formerly a leather warehouse, has been designed by Russell Sage Studio, taking a ‘gymnasium’ theme, with a large room at the bag for corporate events and parties.
“The school gymnasium is one of those places that create a strong feeling of nostalgia and people really liked the idea,” added Lawson. “It's just a quirky bit of fun - the dividers for the different areas of the restaurant are in the style of climbing bars and the banquet seating is made from vaulting boxes.
Comfort food
“Each of our venues will be very events-driven but the bar and restaurant will also suit individual customers.”
The Tanner & Co restaurant will be open all week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overseen by Camm & Hooper’s director of food Justin Saunders, a contemporary take on comfort food will be order of the day with modern cooking techniques influencing traditional dishes.
All charcuterie will be smoked, brined and cured in-house and guests will be encouraged to ‘make their own pies’, adding a bit of theatre to the food and beverage offerings. The bar area, which has space for a further 80 customers, will offer a classic cocktail list and a broad selection of beers in a ‘retro-style’ setting.
Tanner & Co will open at 50 Bermondsey street in May.