Client Background
Cloth Cornhill is the latest restaurant from the team behind the successful Cloth Fair restaurant in Farringdon. Located at the historic Simpsons Tavern site in the heart of Cornhill, London, the restaurant occupies a truly prestigious location with a remarkable history dating back to 1757.
The Grade II listed building has retained much of its original character, fixtures and fittings, creating a unique environment that combines centuries of London history with a contemporary restaurant experience. For LG Networks, being invited to work on such a prestigious project was a real honour.
The challenge was to provide the very latest technology and connectivity while ensuring that the modern infrastructure remained sympathetic to the historic building.
The Challenge
A modern restaurant relies heavily on technology. From card payments and online ordering to reservations, music, staff communications, CCTV and guest Wi-Fi, reliable connectivity is now fundamental to the successful operation of a busy hospitality business.
Cloth Cornhill required a complete technology infrastructure capable of supporting all of these services, while working within a Grade II listed building where careful planning and attention to detail were essential.
The project also presented a logistical challenge. The refurbishment involved numerous trades, craftsmen and specialists working within a historic building, meaning LG Networks’ installation could not simply be completed in one operation. Our work had to be carefully planned and delivered in stages, coordinating closely with the wider refurbishment programme.
The Solution
LG Networks provided a complete technology package designed specifically around the requirements of Cloth Cornhill.
This included a high-speed fibre optic internet connection, providing the reliable, high-capacity connectivity required for a modern hospitality business. A professionally designed and managed Wi-Fi network was also installed, providing fast and reliable coverage throughout the restaurant for both staff and guests.
To support security, LG Networks installed a modern high-definition IP CCTV system, providing comprehensive coverage of the premises while being carefully integrated into the building and its new interior.
A fully hosted VoIP telephone system was also installed, providing the restaurant with a modern business telephone system that is flexible, reliable and easy to manage. In addition, LG Networks supplied a licensed radio communications system, allowing staff to communicate quickly and efficiently throughout the busy restaurant environment.
Given the nature of the building and the wider refurbishment, every element of the installation required careful consideration. Cabling routes, equipment locations and installation methods were planned around the existing structure and the work of other trades and craftsmen. The project was delivered in stages, with LG Networks returning at the appropriate points in the refurbishment to install and commission each part of the technology infrastructure.
The Result
The completed installation provides Cloth Cornhill with a modern technology infrastructure capable of supporting every aspect of its operation.
The fibre optic internet connection provides the high-speed connectivity required for today’s digital restaurant environment, while the managed Wi-Fi network delivers reliable coverage throughout the premises.
The new CCTV system provides enhanced security, while the hosted VoIP telephone system gives the restaurant a professional and flexible communications platform. The licensed radio system also provides the staff with instant, reliable communications when they need it most.
Most importantly, all this technology has been incorporated into a building that dates back to 1757 without compromising its unique character.
Conclusion
The Cloth Cornhill project was a particularly special one for LG Networks. To be trusted with the technology infrastructure of such a prestigious and historically significant London building was a privilege, and one we were extremely proud to be involved in.
While the site may date back to 1757, the technology supporting the restaurant is firmly in the 21st century. From fibre optic connectivity and managed Wi-Fi to HD CCTV, hosted VoIP and licensed radio communications, Cloth Cornhill now has a state-of-the-art technology infrastructure working quietly behind the scenes.
The project demonstrates how modern technology can be successfully integrated into historic buildings without losing the character and heritage that makes them special — combining the best of London’s past with the technology required for its future.