The Grade II listed German Gymnasium is believed to be the first purpose built public gymnasium in the United Kingdom. It was constructed in 1864-65 for the German Gymnastic Society, a sporting association established in London in 1861 by Ernst Ravenstein and is the only gymnasium built for the German gymnastic approach outside of Germany. The building has early and unique associations with the development of British athletics and swimming and the modern Olympic movement.
While at Allies and Morrison Ian lead the restoration and repair of the fabric of the building to a shell and core finish for developer Argent to enable subsequent fit out by a restaurant operator. The proposals restore the original volume of the German Gymnasium removing as much of the first floor as possible to allow the large laminated timber trusses and closed boarded roof structure to be seen and enjoyed from ground level as it was originally intended.
The new interiors, designed by Conran and Partners, occupy the original triple height space and contain a blend of restored original features and modern interventions.
Status: Completed 2015
Awards: New London Architecture Award 2016; World’s best overall restaurant at the 2017 international Restaurant and Bar Design Awards