The Wolseley, located at 160 Piccadilly in London’s Mayfair, stands as one of the city’s most striking examples of architectural adaptation and preservation. Originally designed as a showroom for Wolseley Motors by English architect William Curtis Green, the building was completed in 1921 and represents a fascinating blend of Venetian and Florentine architectural influences.
The building’s original conception as an automotive showroom influenced its grand design. The exterior features an imposing facade of Portland stone with large arched windows, designed to showcase luxury vehicles to Piccadilly’s wealthy passersby. The architectural style deliberately echoed the grandeur of Italian Renaissance palazzos, reflecting the prestige that Wolseley Motors wished to project.
The interior space was created as a statement of luxury and craftsmanship. The double-height central hall, now the main dining room, features black and cream marble floors in a geometric pattern, towering pillars, and intricate plasterwork. The ceiling, with its dramatic vaulted design and ornate decoration, creates a sense of theatrical grandeur that has become one of the restaurant’s most distinctive features.
However, the building’s history took an unexpected turn when Wolseley Motors went into receivership in 1926. Barclays Bank acquired the building and operated it as a branch until 1999. The bank made relatively few alterations to the interior, helping preserve much of the original architectural detail. They also maintained the impressive banking counter, which now serves as the restaurant’s central bar.
The transformation into The Wolseley restaurant was masterminded by Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, working with architect David Collins. The 2003 conversion carefully preserved and enhanced the building’s original features while adapting the space for its new use. The project demonstrated how historic interiors could be sensitively repurposed while maintaining their architectural integrity.
The architectural details of The Wolseley reflect various influences. The interior combines elements of Chinoiserie, Art Deco, and Baroque styles, creating a unique atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate. The original marble floor remains, as do the impressive columns and much of the ornamental plasterwork. The architects added brass rails, banquettes, and other period-appropriate fixtures that complement the original design.
One of the building’s most remarkable features is its lighting scheme. The original skylights were restored and supplemented with carefully designed artificial lighting that enhances the dramatic architecture while creating intimate dining spaces. The various levels and alcoves of the interior create different dining environments within the single grand space.
The facade remains largely unchanged from its 1921 appearance, with its grand arched windows and ornate stonework continuing to make a strong architectural statement on Piccadilly. The building’s Grade II listed status ensures the preservation of these external features, while also protecting many of the interior elements.
The spatial arrangement of The Wolseley is particularly interesting from an architectural perspective. The main dining room occupies what was originally the showroom floor, with its double-height ceiling creating an impressive sense of space. The mezzanine level, which once housed offices, now provides additional dining space with views over the main room.
The building’s acoustics, originally designed to create an impressive atmosphere for car sales, now contribute to the restaurant’s unique ambiance. The high ceilings and hard surfaces are balanced by careful placement of soft furnishings and strategic acoustic treatments that allow conversation while maintaining the buzz of a busy restaurant.
I actually took these pictures myself on our trip to London last autumn. We shared a wonderful meal with friends at The Wolsey, and as I was sitting there, I realized that it would make a great subject for a Great London Buildings article!
The success of The Wolseley’s architectural adaptation has influenced subsequent restaurant developments in London and beyond. It demonstrated how historic commercial spaces could be successfully converted into hospitality venues while preserving their architectural character. The project showed that maintaining original features could enhance rather than hinder a building’s new function.
Today, The Wolseley stands as one of London’s finest examples of early 20th-century commercial architecture successfully adapted for contemporary use. The building continues to impress visitors with its grand proportions, fine detailing, and the way it combines architectural heritage with modern functionality. Its preservation and adaptation represent a successful balance between historical conservation and commercial viability, proving that architectural heritage can be both preserved and made relevant for contemporary use.
The building serves as a reminder of an era when commercial buildings were designed to impress and inspire, and its current use as a restaurant allows the public to continue enjoying its architectural splendor. The Wolseley’s transformation from car showroom to bank to restaurant demonstrates how great architecture can adapt and evolve while maintaining its essential character and beauty.