On June 3, Spacecraft designer Kristofer Keith led me on a tour of his latest project, a sharp-looking Hollywood pub called Essex. The former Parc space was already stocked with black-stained oak chairs. The only aspect that needed finishing was the back bar: 20 taps, mirrors, shelving and 6-7 flat screen TVs. Today, Essex co-owner Greg Link said the pub would soft open on July 1, with a grand opening the week after the Fourth.
Keith, who oversees a one-stop shop for design and construction, installed an industrial welded steel bar that he compared to a bridge or elevated train truss, with an oak top. Across the way, the exposed brick wall features a mirror and high-top banquettes. The adjacent room houses both black and natural brick walls, plus oversized chalkboard menus. Both rooms feature clear views of sidewalk tables.
Essex co-owner Greg Link joined me to discuss his pub. He said that he and his partners Essex “built the place we always wanted to drink. Up until BoHo, there was nowhere you could get really good beer and wine and pair it wth good food. We got tired of driving to Santa Monica or Melrose.”
Link met AU Group partner Hunter Hensley in Vegas, where they managed adjacent clubs. Link was in charge of a slew of clubs with $20 million + budgets, including Light, Jet, Rum Jungle and Mix. The friends moved to L.A., where Link was GM at Hollywood club Element. Hensley managed One Sunset, working with opening chef Chris Ennis. On Essex, they ended up partnering with Element land owner Michael Greco and Ennis.
Why the former Parc space? “We wanted something right on the main track,” said Link. “Everybody was trying to force something on this space. This was more natural. We’re all in the 25-45 bracket, so this is something we thought people our age would enjoy.”
“The goal was nobody would look at the menu and say, ‘What is that?,’” says Link. Possible signature dishes include the braised short rib Shepherd’s pie. They’re also playing with a TV dinner concept, “trying to appeal to everybody’s roots.” “Beer Chick” Christina Perozzi is consulting on the beer selection. They’ll have 20 taps and 25-30 bottles, plus beer cocktails. On the wine front, expect 20 wines by the glass and 3-4 sparkling options, all available by quartino and bottle.
In other Spacecraft news, Keith said he started back on Osaka Hollywood in mid May, but it wasn’t quite “full fledge rock ‘em sock ‘em.” The Japanese restaurant, a Lima import co-owned by Adolfo Suaya, will feature a tree-lined patio and an entrance that requires diners to traverse a pond via stepping-stones. Keith also said he was 30 days from completing construction on Public House/Stout, a nearby burgers-and-beer concept from Charles Lew and Alex Kagianaris.
Related Posts
- Essex Pub Expected to Debut By March 18
- Essex Public House Debuts in Hollywood
- Checking in on Essex Public House, Post-Ennis
- Expect Stout in December
- Details about BoHo Design
Yep. I learned this yesterday. I swear you know everything in this town.
yolanda, gotta be one step ahead to get the scoop
I guess hollywood isn’t looking steam on the restaurant front.
Super excited about this place.. Finally a place with decent beers (they had Green Flash Le Freak!) AND good wine within a stone’s throw from where I live. I’ve only peeked inside, but it looks promising. The vibe is right, and - I’m a word & design nerd - I adored the clean, well-written chalked words on the menu board. Can’t wait to try!
Diana,
Kristofer Keith has done a great job of designing pro-beer restaurants in Hollywood, including BoHo and the upcoming Stout. Here’s a link to more information about Essex, but by the time you read this, sounds like you will have already been there.
http://www.foodgps.com/essex-public-house-debuts-in-hollywood
Food is ok. Drinks are ok. Nothing special about this place. No hot woman. No hot guys… Blah. Boring.
Ah mazing food!!!! The chef has the most unique menu. You feel like your at home there. The music is great. I have a blast anytime I’m there. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up!!