Johnny Smith and Daniel Willis to launch hospitality group

Lifelong friends and long-term business partners Johnny Smith and Daniel Willis will launch their new hospitality group – Smith & Willis – this month.

In addition to their flagship restaurant, Luca, and their new partner restaurant, Osip, the pair will also launch The Loft – a concept space in Clerkenwell, and have plans in the works for another new London restaurant.

The duo moved from Manchester to London in 2008, quickly making their mark by opening The Clove Club (two Michelin-starred) in 2013, followed by Luca (Michelin-starred) in 2016. Most recently, they delivered Outcrop – a pop-up restaurant, bar and arts space in 180 The Strand with food by AngloThai. They have also partnered with Merlin Labron-Johnson on the second iteration of Osip in Bruton, Somerset.

Known for their keen design aesthetic and love of music subculture, Smith and Willis enter this new chapter operating three distinctive brands, all carrying the common thread of thoughtful hospitality.

The group will focus on creating owner-managed and partnership brands that embody its guiding principles of "built to last” and “committed to craft”. Through the Smith & Willis leadership programme and other people-focused initiatives, the business will also aim to provide industry-leading career development.

The Loft

The Loft has been brought to life by Smith, the group's creative director, in partnership with design brand Vitra. It will be the new head office and studio space for Smith & Willis.

Fitted with a bespoke sound system from California Audio and housing a private kitchen, The Loft will see a return to the supper clubs of old for the pair, allowing them to curate events and dinners for their creative network. The space will also be available for private hire.

"The loft is our home and will become a fundamental part of how we develop new ideas and create community, but it's also a unique space in terms of its hospitality potential," says Smith. "It was designed with good times in mind."

Group MD Willis adds: "I'm so excited to begin this new chapter with Johnny and our team. Creating a new hospitality group in which Osip is a partner fills me with immense pride and I can't wait to create more places people love."

You may also be interested in…