Ben Mailen
Architect & Managing Director
Haz Mincing Lane
Hewn delivered an award-winning fine dining restaurant, balancing rich cultural references with contemporary design to create a sophisticated hospitality destination in London's financial district.
Sector
Hospitality
Location
Monument, London
Client
Haz Restaurant Group
Year
2018
Services →
Architectural design
Interior architecture
Planning & regulatory support
Technical design & delivery
Post-occupancy support
Project management
Retrofit
Collaborators →
I-AM
MGLW
Parla
Kanvass
Nulty Lighting
iFour Hospitality Design Ltd
Awards →
Restaurant & Bar Design Awards
FX International Interior Design Awards (finalist)
Project overview
Haz Mincing Lane reinterprets traditional Turkish influences within a contemporary fine dining setting. Delivered in collaboration with I-AM, Hewn translated the creative agency’s vision into a fully resolved, buildable design, balancing intricate detail with the practical demands of a high-performing hospitality space. Working within the constraints of an existing restaurant shell, Hewn redefined the space by introducing dramatic architectural features and a rich material language. The transformation of Haz Mincing Lane garnered significant recognition, including winning Best London Restaurant at the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.
Materiality
A layered material palette introduces depth and refinement, combining timber, plaster, copper and marble to create a tactile and enduring interior suited to a high-end dining environment. Timber joinery and formed plaster are used to construct the undulating ceiling, a defining feature that draws on traditional Turkish forms to introduce movement and subtly reflect the ripples of fresh coffee. Marble surfaces are integrated across the bar and dining areas, reinforcing a sense of weight and permanence, while copper detailing adds contrast and precision at key junctions. Controlled use of colour, informed by Turkish motifs and the tones of open coal fires, adds vibrancy and contrast, creating a visually rich environment that remains balanced and legible.
“For me, the success of Haz Mincing Lane comes from the way it balances a strong visual identity with a genuine sense of comfort and generosity. The richness of the materials and detailing was important, but equally important was creating a restaurant that people would want to spend time in and return to again and again.”
Performance
The project required the careful reworking of an existing restaurant to support a more premium dining model, improving both guest experience and operational clarity. Spatial planning enhances circulation between dining, bar and service areas, allowing the restaurant to operate efficiently during peak periods while maintaining a comfortable, well-paced environment. Lighting is calibrated to shift from a brighter daytime setting to a more intimate evening atmosphere, responding to different modes of use. Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems are integrated throughout, ensuring consistent environmental performance while reducing long-term operational demand.
Client testimonial
“Hewn really helped us breathe new life into Haz. The contemporary environment appeals to our clientele whilst also maintaining the essence of our brand.”
Zafer Cicek – Founding Partner, Haz Restaurant Group
