The Grill At The DOrchester

Moinard Bétaille

There are few places in London that embody the same timeless glamour and heritage as The Dorchester. Standing proudly on Park Lane since 1931, the hotel is a symbol of excellence and British refinement. Within its storied walls, The Grill at The Dorchester has long been a destination for elevated dining – a place where tradition meets theatrical flair. When Make Bespoke Studio was invited to contribute to the restaurant’s most recent design refresh, we approached the project with a deep sense of respect and craft. The brief was clear: to produce four bespoke banquette seats based on a design by the acclaimed studio Moinard Bétaille – turning their vision into a physical reality through exceptional making, materials, and detail.

This wasn’t about simply manufacturing furniture. It was about bringing design intention to life with care, intelligence, and craftsmanship – creating pieces that honour their concept while delivering technical excellence in execution.

Realising Moinard Bétaille’s Design

The Grill’s distinctive interior was reimagined in 2015 by Moinard Bétaille, the renowned Paris‑based studio known for their refined yet expressive approach to design. Their concept for the banquette seating – sculptural, elegant, rich in detail – was an integral part of the restaurant’s layered ambience. In this latest chapter, Make Bespoke Studio was entrusted with taking their design drawings and transforming them into beautifully crafted, fully finished objects. This involved careful material selection, construction methodology, polishing details, and upholstery work so that the final pieces not only reflect the designer’s intention but also meet functional demands of service and longevity.

Interior Enhancements & Material Texture

The Grill’s refreshed interior maintains its grandeur while introducing moments of renewal: a custom rug, decorative lighting enhancements, and our bespoke banquettes are all part of this subtle but powerful evolution. The hand‑applied Dutch gold motif on the back panels was developed in concert with the existing decorative language of the space; the outer framework and base were finished in satin black lacquer to provide contrast, structure, and depth.

For upholstery, Altfield’s ‘Richmond’ leather in Shiraz was chosen for the seat and inner back. Tanned in Italy using traditional wax and oil treatments, this full‑aniline leather accepts wear and age with dignity, acquiring character and patina over time. For the backrests, the softer texture of Rubelli’s ‘Ruskin’ damask in Sabbia was employed to lend refinement and tonal balance. Stitching and leather matching were executed with precision, enhancing form without ostentation.

Installation & Delivery

Working in a venue as prestigious as The Dorchester demands discretion and precision. The banquettes were delivered and installed in the early hours before service, in collaboration with the hotel’s operations team. Each piece was positioned, levelled, and polished — ready for guests by opening. The delivery was seamless; the craftsmanship was visible, yet the execution carefully controlled so the dining experience remained uninterrupted.

New Culinary Leadership

The design refresh coincides with a significant shift in culinary leadership. In September 2025, Martyn Nail – formerly Executive Chef at Claridge’s – assumed the role of Culinary Director at The Grill, working alongside Head Chef Jacob Keen‑Downs. Their shared vision is to honour The Grill’s rich traditions while bringing renewed warmth, vibrancy, and contemporary nuance to the menu.

Ronnie Scott’s Residency: A Living Atmosphere

Simultaneously, The Grill at The Dorchester brings an additional layer of experience through its monthly Ronnie Scott’s residency: soulful jazz evenings paired with gastronomic excellence. Once a month, legendary jazz comes alive via a curated line-up of artists performing live, while guests enjoy the three‑course dinner designed by Chefs Nail & Keen‑Downs. These evenings offer a multisensory richness—taste, sound, texture—that harmonise with the renewed interior environment.

As of now, upcoming residency dates include September 24, October 29, November 26, and December 9, each featuring a different artist. These nights are scheduled from 6.30 pm to 10 pm, priced at £145 per person (excluding drinks and service), inviting diners not just for a meal, but for an evening that weaves together craft, atmosphere, and performance.

A Lasting Contribution

What we’ve created at The Dorchester is more than furniture or décor—it’s part of an ongoing narrative. Every element of the banquettes, from gilded motif to leather and damask upholstery, is designed to age gracefully with use while reinforcing the identity of the space. The design works in concert with what happens around it: the flicker of candlelight on lacquer, the glow from chandeliers, the hum of jazz in the air, and the creativity of the culinary team.

At Make Bespoke Studio, we believe true bespoke restaurant design is built on collaboration – with designers, chefs, artisans, and the hotel itself. These banquettes are part of The Grill’s next chapter: one where design, cuisine, music, and atmosphere converge. For hospitality designers, this project is a reminder that genuine luxury lies in the details, the quality of execution, and in how all elements—visual, material, sensory—come together to create a place people long to return to.