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New Hawksworth Eatery To Open At MNP Tower (1021 West Hastings) In 2015

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Good news for those living/working Downtown

After much speculation and anticipation the location of Chef David Hawksworth’s new restaurant, opening in downtown Vancouver, can finally be announced. Hawksworth Restaurant Group’s new venture will take centre stage on the ground and mezzanine level of Oxford Property Group’s MNP Tower; located at 1021 West Hastings Street. The location was once the home of University and Quadra Clubs and has an eye-catching heritage façade.

“Echoing the original Hawksworth Restaurant, our new venture will still place an emphasis on BC’s seasonal produce and showcase our take on the region’s incredible variety of fresh flavour,” says Chef David Hawksworth. “The vision behind the new restaurant will be clean, uncomplicated, ingredient-forward fare with a modern, playful twist.” A prominent bar will be the focal point, helping to create an approachable, laid-back atmosphere in the industrial rustic-chic space. The new environment will offer a dining ambiance that is perfect for business lunches, after-dinner drinks or celebrations.

“We are extremely excited to partner with renowned Chef David Hawksworth to bring a world-class restaurant to MNP Tower,” says Chuck We, Director of Leasing at Oxford Properties. “The restaurant will be a superb amenity and experience for both Oxford’s customers and the surrounding community when it opens later in 2015.”

Chef Hawksworth’s new restaurant will find its home in a 7,400-foot space seating 120 and with the interior designed by Alessandro Munge, of the multi-award winning Canadian design firm Munge Leunge. Munge Leunge was also the firm behind the James Beard nominated design of the original Hawksworth Restaurant. The MNP Tower, the new restaurant’s location, boasts the last true waterfront views in Downtown Vancouver and was designed by world-renowned architectural firm Kohn Pederson Fox.

Here’s what we wrote about the search for the new location in January:

David Hawksworth, owner of Hawksworth restaurant in the Hotel Georgia and widely regarded as one of Canada’s top chefs, is opening a new restaurant in downtown Vancouver next year.

He recently secured a location in a new building and aims to take possession at the end of this summer. He hopes – with crossed fingers – to open for business six months later. It’s a big space, with 2,500 sqft dedicated to the kitchen and 3,500 sqft earmarked for the floor. The restaurant will offer seating for 120 people, with a long bar being the core focal point. The address is being kept a secret for the time being, and the name has yet to be set in stone. Both will be revealed soon.

The concept is going to be considerably more relaxed than what David has delivered in the past. He likens the style of food to a vegetable-friendly and health conscious Southern Californian blend of Italian and Spanish cuisines with a strong emphasis on sharing. That sounds like a brave and delicious departure from the subtly expressed West Coast Canadiana that has won him so many accolades in the past, dating all the way back to his storied tenure at South Granville’s West.

It also sounds less expensive. Even though lunch at the Cactus Club costs roughly the same as at Hawksworth, there is a perception – on account of the latter’s fine dining credentials and awards – that the cost is prohibitive. David nevertheless confirms that prices at the new restaurant will reflect its casual atmosphere, but jokingly adds that “You’ll have the chance to spend your money if you want to.”

Images of the original Hawksworth below:

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ALL ANTICIPATED OPENINGS

There is 1 comment

  1. “clean, uncomplicated, ingredient-forward fare with a modern, playful twist.” So many wasted adjectives…

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