Sessions Arts Club
Sector
Hospitality
Location
Clerkenwell, London
Size
3,800 sqft
Value
£500,000
Client
Cabin Studio
Hidden within the upper floors of the Grade II* Listed Old Sessions House in Clerkenwell, Sessions Arts Club transforms one of London's most historically significant former courthouses into a restaurant, bar and cultural destination. Conceived as a sanctuary above the city, the project adopts a light-touch approach that celebrates the building's rich history while carefully adapting it for contemporary use.
Rather than restoring the interiors to a single point in time, the design embraces the layers and imperfections accumulated over centuries. Visitors enter through an unmarked doorway before ascending to the former judges' dining room, a grand space overlooking the city beyond. Here, a delicately inserted mezzanine introduces additional seating while preserving the scale and character of the original room. Curtains suspended beneath create a series of more intimate settings, balancing grandeur with privacy and retreat.
Existing materials and architectural features have been retained wherever possible. Original oak floorboards sit alongside carefully sourced furniture, reclaimed elements and bespoke joinery, creating an atmosphere closer to an artist's studio than a traditional members' club. A reclaimed mahogany bar, salvaged from a pub in Ireland, forms the heart of the space, while terraces framed by lush planting provide secluded views across London. Together with a bespoke brand identity, the project creates a distinctive environment where heritage, creativity and hospitality are seamlessly intertwined.
Hidden within the upper floors of the Grade II* Listed Old Sessions House in Clerkenwell, Sessions Arts Club transforms one of London's most historically significant former courthouses into a restaurant, bar and cultural destination. Conceived as a sanctuary above the city, the project adopts a light-touch approach that celebrates the building's rich history while carefully adapting it for contemporary use.
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Photography by:
Ruth Ward, John William