This development involved the restoration and subsequently the complete transformation of a dilapidated Grade II listed former meat market warehouse to provide four floors of bars and dining rooms. The structure was gutted and a whole new fire strategy, passenger lift and kitchen hoist installation had to be designed. A new steel and glass rooftop extension overlooking the city skyline was negotiated with English Heritage, in return for reinstating the original massive stone cornice which had been removed for safety reasons several years previously. The massive timber primary beams supported on cruciform cast iron columns were retained in situ and justified in fire safety terms with intumescent paint treatment. The original timber secondary joists were taken out, refinished and replaced after fire treatment, then encased below to ensure fire integrity. New mechanical and electrical services were for the most part surface run. The façade restoration revealed marvellous stone carvings depicting the animals to be butchered within the walls, hidden behind hoardings for years. Working with chef John Torode, the design of the three separate kitchens was carefully coordinated with the existing structure and all linked together with a double service hoist running through the full height of the building, connecting to stores and prep areas distributed across all floor levels. The large open kitchen on the second floor creates theatre for the Dining Room, the more democratic dining offer compared with the pub like ground floor and the fine dining top floor. The design brief was to create an easy-going, relaxed venue that was in sync with simple, unpretentious good quality food. Its huge success arguably lies in this ability to appeal to both sexes, all ages, all types, from City executives to Hoxton trendies. It can be argued that this project was central in starting the regeneration of the Smithfield ‘gastro region’. Twelve years after completion, James was called back to refurbish and update the ground floor level, somewhat tired after years of hard punishment. Delighted with the look and feel of the original design, the SOS management team said they were impressed with the way that the design had ‘worn in, not worn out’! “The hippest place to start the day. Smiths is a huge loft style space dedicated to eating, drinking and well, just hanging.” Time Out