Welcome to the London Hunt and Country Club’s Restaurant Master Plan!
For generations, the London Hunt and Country Club has crafted a membership experience in a one-of-a-kind setting to enrich the recreational lives of members.
At the Club, we know the decisions we make today will affect the membership for generations to come. Our commitment to excellence and innovation is guided by our Vision, Mission, and Strategic Pillars resulting in a richer experience and atmosphere to make memories.
Promo video and reveal.
VISION
Our vision is to be one of the premier private golf and country clubs in Canada offering an exceptional total Membership experience.
MISSION
The London Hunt and Country Club is a family focused Club providing its Members with an exceptional golf course complemented by first class dining facilities. To enhance the enjoyment of Members, the Club includes such programs as pickleball, tennis, trap and skeet, fitness and social activities.
RESTAURANTS
History The Glenmore and Grill Rooms came to be in 1989 as an addition to the original Clubhouse and have served the Membership well ever since. In 2004, the Glenmore Dining Room and Lounge’s décor was updated from the original pastels and greens to the current wood paneling. Since then, other than some fresh paint, carpet, and one new furniture cycle, these spaces remain essentially the same as when they first opened.
What is now the Terrace Lounge has had many identities over the years including the Gun Room, Card Room, and Mixed Grille. A wall originally separated it from the Glenmore Room, before it was removed about 20 years ago, for a more open concept, and a permanent buffet was installed.
The Clubhouse Committee endeavored to assess our current and future needs with Member dining beginning in 2017, with a desire to update furniture and liven the décor in these areas which were untouched during the last Clubhouse renovation save for the Oxford Room. Where usual annual capital spending plans was to undergo small upgrades and replacements year to year, the Committee decided to look further into the future and develop a better strategized, long range master plan.
The Committee explored several firms who specialize in restaurant and Club design to assist with the vision for a long-range plan intended to enhance the enjoyment of Members while dining at the Club.
The firm of mackaywong was hired and a plan was presented to the committee in 2018 and finalized in 2019. With the world suddenly coming to a halt due to the uncertainty of a global pandemic, plans were put on hold, and revitalized again in 2021. An Ad-Hoc Committee was formed to continue the work, and soon identified the need for a repurposing of the Oxford Room and much needed kitchen upgrades to work in tandem with the plans. Present day, we are now ready to put the last of these great ideas into action as they align with the Club’s Vision and Mission, and to provide current and future generations of Members with unparalleled dining and social enjoyment.
Design Strategy
Create modern traditional sociable gathering spaces with sophisticated and timeless details.
Enhance the member experience with a focus on creating an engaging social space that is inviting and comfortable for all demographics from families to business dinners.
Approachable for both individual members and large groups, the proposed design is to be flexible and adapt to variable needs.
Relocate the bar and allow it to be the focal point of the room and the central social hub of the action, including the Terrace.
Use a mix of seating styles to maximize flexibility and respond to different uses throughout the day and seasons, right sizing the seating capacities, while incorporating underutilized space.
Provide clear and efficient navigation for staff and guests.
Enhance the functionality between the different spaces, creating unique styles and atmospheres amongst the various dining areas.
Take better advantage of the unbeatable views at the back of the Clubhouse.
Glenmore Dining Room, Glenmore Lounge, Grill Room, Bar, and Terrace Lounge
Initial plans were presented during a town hall meeting of the membership on June 23rd, 2022. Ample feedback was provided which resulted in the Board reassessing the original proposal.
Focus groups were conducted in mid October, attended by nearly 60 members, and facilitated by a third party consultant. The information was subsequently communicated through a video presentation, viewed by more than 1200 participants resulting in close to 200 additional survey submissions.
The two main objectives to determine with these focus groups was, where will the bar be located, and what design concept for finishes was most desired the results of which was a 2 to 1 favourite to locate the bar in what is now the Terrace Lounge. Traditional and elegant finishes for decorating was the clear favourite for the Glenmore areas, where traditional, with modern elements incorporated was the favourite for the Grill Room areas.
This feedback was submitted to our designer who went back to the drawing board, using this information to develop the vision, floor plan, palette, and finishings most desired by our members.
Introducing the NEW Glenmore Room and Thames Grill!
As guests arrive at the Glenmore Lounge and Dining Room, they are immediately greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere at the host stand. The traditional wood paneling of the entry corridor sets the tone for the sophisticated and elegant spaces to come. The new herringbone wood floors add to the welcoming ambiance, as guests approach the host stand and admire the new large trophy and heritage display case showcasing the club’s proud achievements and traditions.
This initial experience sets the stage for the luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere that awaits guests in the Glenmore Lounge and Dining Room. Whether relaxing by the fireplace in the lounge, or dining in the elegant circular-shaped dining room, guests are sure to enjoy a truly memorable experience at the Club.
The Glenmore Lounge exudes sophistication and luxury with its rich materials and modern yet traditional design elements. Upon entering the space, guests are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere created by the new limestone fireplace mantel, which serves as the focal point of the room. The fireplace is surrounded by rich wood wall paneling, adding to the lounge’s elegant feel.
To either side of the fireplace, guests can admire the stunning wine displays, showcasing the club’s finest selections. The circular motifs found in the plush carpet, along with the modern glass wall sconces, bring a contemporary touch to the traditional space.
Comfortable and inviting, the lounge features a mix of rich fabrics and leather upholstery, inviting guests to sink into the plush seating and stay for a while. The contemporary styling of the furniture, fixtures, and artwork adds a touch of modern elegance to the space, making it the perfect place for members to relax and socialize.
The Glenmore Lounge offers the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary design elements, creating a space that is both stylish and comfortable.
Adjacent to the Glenmore Lounge is the Glenmore Dining Room, offering a sophisticated and elegant dining experience for club members. The circular shape of the room adds to its unique and inviting atmosphere. White clothed dining tables are set with fine china and crystal, creating a formal yet welcoming ambiance. The stunning crystal chandelier at the center of the room serves as the focal point, casting a warm and inviting glow throughout the space.
The large wood-paneled wall serves as a backdrop for the historical artwork of the country club, showcasing its rich heritage and traditions. A glass trophy case is a nod to the club’s achievements and successes, separating the dining room from the lounge while still allowing guests to admire the stunning displays.
Surrounded by large windows, the dining room is bathed in natural light, complemented by the luxurious drapery that frames the views. The circular motifs found in the warm carpet and glass wall sconces repeat the theme found in the lounge, creating a cohesive and elegant design throughout the space.
The Glenmore Dining Room is the perfect setting for formal events and intimate gatherings, offering a luxurious and sophisticated dining experience for club members.
The new Thames Grill, adjacent to the Glenmore Lounge and Dining Room, offers a more relaxed and modern dining experience for club members, before and after golf, and a destination for families. Aligned with the palette and finishes of the Glenmore rooms, and the new Café 1885, the spaces all provide their own unique dining experience, while continuing the motifs throughout.
The large island-shaped bar is the main focus of the restaurant and serves as the hub of activity. The back bar features overhead TVs and a stunning liquor display, making it the perfect spot for guests to gather and socialize. Large windows and added doors offer uninterrupted views of the outdoors, bringing the beauty of the Terrace and the club’s surroundings inside.
Comfortable and inviting, the Thames Grill offers a variety of seating options, from lounge chairs and dining tables to high-top tables. Guests are invited to relax and enjoy a meal in a welcoming and casual atmosphere.
A modern stone feature fireplace wall adds to the relaxed ambiance, while modern light fixtures and a welcoming art gallery wall complete the sophisticated and stylish decor.
Whether enjoying a casual meal with family or catching up with friends, the New Thames Grill is the perfect place to unwind and relax.
Click here or the image below for a guided 360° tour of the proposed restaurant changes with General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Jon Nusink.
mackaywong is a strategy + design agency located in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District and San Francisco’s Marina District who dream up extraordinary guest inspired experiences for the world’s best restaurant, hotel and casino brands.
“Together with our clients, we define and position their concepts, visualize their identities and breathe life into the spaces.” – mackaywong
Since 1991, the mackaywong team has created hundreds of beautiful restaurants, bars and clubs, dozens of stylish hotels and destination casinos.
Together with the Club, they will define and position concepts, visualizing them with the Hunt Club’s identity and breathing life into our legendary spaces.
“We develop what these experiences can do, identify who they are for and shape the memories that follow. We draw the pictures, select the materials, manage the process, crash the Opening Party and definitely a whole lot more.” – mackaywong
With the reduction of casual seating in the Oxford Room (now Café 1885), where would families expect to congregate? The new and redesigned Thames Grill is intended to be a destination spot for families and golfers alike. There is also casual seating on the Terrace, and 40 seats remaining in the new Café 1885. Initial objectives for the Café was for it to be open for breakfast and lunch only, but this will be reassessed regularly for demand and operational efficiencies.
How will the expenses of this renovation be paid for? Costs of this project will be paid for with capital funds on hand which have been set aside for this project. The Club will not incur any debt to complete this project.
What shape is the Club in with the current loans used to fund the Clubhouse Renovation in 2014/15, and the Golf Course Renovation in 2022/23? The Club currently carries a loan for the 2014 Clubhouse expansion project which was originally targeted to be fully retired by 2035 and another loan for the golf course renovation project with up to a 15 year amortization. Management and the Finance and Audit Committee have analyzed the Club’s forecasted cashflows and determined the Club is strongly positioned to proceed with the Restaurant Project and retire the debts ahead of the original schedule. The 2014 Clubhouse expansion is expected to be paid in full as early as 2030, and the golf course construction loan to be paid in full as early as 2027, based on current forecasts.
There are elements about the particular selection of some of the furniture and decorating that I don’t really appreciate. Are these selections final? In short, yes. A lot of work has gone into carefully selecting each piece of furniture, and fixtures, and while it is relatively easy to change some selections that were made, short of a compelling reason such as availability or an overwhelming sense of dissatisfaction, we expect to complete the project as presented.
What are we voting on, and who gets to vote on this project? The vote, the motion for which will be put forth at the Special Shareholder Meeting on March 30th is to ratify the Board’s resolution to undertake this capital expenditure to a limit of $2 million. To pass, our bylaw requires a majority of 50% +1. All holders of Class B Shares are entitled to one vote. Generally, there is one Class B share assigned to the primary member for people in the Resident Shareholder and Senior Life categories.
One of my favourite Club traditions is the Friday Night Buffet. Where will that be located now? It is intended to be located in essentially the same area as it is now, where the small Thames Grill Lounge is near the fireplace in the plans. This location will allow for central access for members dining in any restaurant, and still provide a more elegant dining experience when eating in the Glenmore Room.
Promo video and reveal.
Restaurant Master Plan 