Nestled within the rolling landscapes of Somerset, a meticulously restored 18th-century building now houses Osip restaurant, a stunning embodiment of farm-to-table dining and sensitive architectural intervention. London-based studio Bindloss Dawes, in close collaboration with chef Merlin Labron-Johnson, has masterfully reimagined the 1730 structure, transforming a once inward-looking pub into a luminous, view-filled destination that celebrates its pastoral context and reinforces the restaurant’s profound connection to the land.
Originally characterized by low, timbered ceilings and confined spaces, the historic building lacked engagement with its bucolic surroundings. Bindloss Dawes’ core vision was to retain the inherent charm of the historic building restoration while radically reorienting it towards the landscape. The result is a design that washes the interiors with natural light and frames panoramic vistas of the neighbouring fields, making the Somerset countryside an integral part of the dining experience.
Stepping inside Osip reveals an intimate entrance bar and reception, leading to a forty-cover restaurant. The heart of the space is a dramatic open theatre kitchen, positioned to allow diners full visibility of the culinary artistry. Large, slim-framed windows behind the chefs provide a constant, breathtaking backdrop of the fields, a visual reminder of the provenance underpinning the hyper-seasonal menu. This deliberate arrangement encourages guests to engage with the cooking process, sometimes even participating in tastings at the chef’s table.
Structural intervention was approached with minimalism and reverence. Recent additions were stripped away to reveal the building’s original fabric. Existing stone walls were stabilized, original slate roofs relaid, and facades refreshed with a subtle wash of white lime paint. New limestone door and window frames punctuate the exterior, designed to host climbing plants over time, further embedding the structure within its environment. Upstairs, the first and second floors extend high into the original roof rafters, housing four exquisite bespoke bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, each thoughtfully responding to the building’s unique quirks and character.
Throughout the interiors, Bindloss Dawes championed natural materials and locally-sourced materials, fostering a profound sense of place. A striking deep red earthenware floor, laid directly onto the original base and inspired by the pub’s historic clinker floors, creates a warm, unifying foundation. Beyond its visual drama, this locally-sourced earth floor offers breathable and acoustically absorbent properties, ideal for a bustling restaurant. White-washed walls and exposed timber ceilings provide a serene counterpoint to the rich floor.
The commitment to local craftsmanship is palpable in every detail. Soft furnishings feature leathers and fabrics produced near Bruton. The bar itself is a sculptural focal point, hand-carved from timber sourced in neighbouring woods by Somerset artist Max Bainbridge of Forest + Found. This celebration of regional skill extends outdoors, where sensitive landscaping employs a natural planting scheme and opens the garden to complement the architecture, even incorporating areas dedicated to food production for the restaurant’s ever-changing seasonal menu.
Osip restaurant stands as a testament to Bindloss Dawes’ ability to craft unique, high-end hospitality destinations that resonate deeply with their setting. The studio, alongside Merlin, has navigated an urban design sensibility within a rural context, achieving a remarkable balance between contemporary openness and historic preservation. The transformation not only honours the building’s past but firmly roots its future in the rhythms of the Somerset landscape, offering guests an immersive experience where exceptional food, thoughtful design, and the beauty of the countryside converge.