Audio upgrade for a world-class dining room in a Grade I-listed hotel
Hawksmoor: St Pancras, London
This case study looks at how we delivered a fully integrated sound system for one of London’s most architecturally significant dining rooms – overcoming strict building regulations, inherited infrastructure, and sensitive aesthetics in the process.
(Image credits: Hawksmoor.com)
About Hawksmoor
Hawksmoor is one of the UK’s most iconic steakhouse brands, renowned for their ethically sourced British beef, award-winning cocktails, and striking restaurant interiors. With venues in London, Manchester, New York, and beyond, the brand has earned a global reputation for delivering premium dining experiences rooted in British culinary tradition.
In late 2025, Hawksmoor launched its eighth London restaurant within the extraordinary Grade I-listed St Pancras London Hotel – formerly the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. The space, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1873, is one of the most visually stunning dining environments in the capital, with triple-height ceilings, stained glass windows, mosaic floors, and elaborate Gothic details throughout. This landmark venue deserved an audio system to match.
The Project
Hawksmoor’s goal was clear: to deliver rich, evenly distributed sound across multiple zones in the bar, restaurant, and private spaces – without disrupting the building’s fabric or visual identity.
MSL were brought in to design and install a discreet but high-performance audio system that would integrate with the venue’s aesthetic, function seamlessly for staff, and elevate the guest experience. The project also included provisions for private events, terrace sound coverage, and DJ use in the Martini Bar.
The catch? The building’s Grade I listing meant that no fixtures or cabling could intrude on protected surfaces or features – a challenge we were ready to meet.
The Challenges
Working within a Grade I-listed space poses a unique set of constraints. No surface could be drilled, altered, or fixed into – so mounting speakers and running cabling required extreme care, coordination, and creative thinking.
Further complexity came from the fact that this project involved inheriting part of an existing sound system from the previous restaurant tenant. That meant careful integration with legacy infrastructure – while still delivering the level of performance Hawksmoor expect.
The space’s triple-height ceilings and hard surfaces also made acoustics a key consideration from the outset. MSL’s job was to maintain the room’s natural ambience while ensuring clear, dynamic audio across all areas of the restaurant and bar.
The Solution
To deliver clarity and coverage without compromising the visual integrity of the space, MSL specified a complete K-array loudspeaker system – chosen for its ultra-slim design and impressive audio performance.
Installed system breakdown:
Audio Zone 1 – Martini Bar
- 6 × K-array KV52ii column speakers
- 4 × K-array Rumble KU210 subwoofers
- Dante Bluetooth input
- Independent volume control
Audio Zone 2 – Private Dining Room
- 2 × K-array KV25ii
- 2 × K-array Rumble KU44
- Dante Bluetooth input
- Independent volume control
Audio Zone 3 – Main Restaurant
- 9 × K-array KV25ii
- 3 × Rumble KU44 & 4 × KU26 subwoofers
- Dante Bluetooth input
- Independent volume control
Audio Zone 4 – Terrace (External)
- 2 × External weatherproof speakers
Amplification & Design Notes
All amplification was handled via 6 × K-array Kommander amps, linked to a Biamp DSP processor and Cisco network switch for robust signal distribution.
Bespoke mounting solutions were used throughout – positioning the ultra-slim column speakers on custom stands and brackets that avoided any physical contact with the listed structure. All cable runs were carefully routed to remain completely invisible within the venue’s detailing and joinery.
Training, Support, and Operation
User simplicity was vital for the front-of-house team, so MSL designed an intuitive control system that allowed staff to adjust volumes zone-by-zone or from a central point.
The system also includes Dante Bluetooth inputs for easy music playback during private hires, and zone isolation to support a wide range of use cases – from ambient dining to vibrant cocktail events.
Ongoing service and support are delivered through MSL’s maintenance partnership across the Hawksmoor estate – ensuring continued performance and reliability long after install.
Why Middlesex Sound & Lighting?
We’re specialists in working with listed and sensitive spaces – and as such, we’ve delivered AV for multiple Hawksmoor locations Our in-house design and integration team are able to manage every detail from start to finish. What’s more, we’re trusted to work seamlessly alongside architects, interior designers, and heritage consultants.
In short, our 40-year reputation for premium AV solutions means customers can rely on us to deliver under pressure.
