In April 2025, lifelong friends and long-term business partners, Johnny Smith and Daniel Willis will launch their hospitality group, SMITH & WILLIS. In addition to their flagship restaurant LUCA and new partner restaurant, Osip, the pair will also launch The Loft - a concept space in Clerkenwell and have plans in the works for a new London restaurant.
Johnny & Daniel moved from Manchester to London in 2008, quickly making their mark by opening The Clove Club (two Michelin-starred - World’s 50 Best) in 2013 and LUCA (Michelin-starred - Italian) in 2016. Most recently they delivered Outcrop – a pop-up restaurant, bar and arts space in 180 The Strand with food by AngloThai, and have partnered with Merlin Labron-Johnson on the second iteration of Osip in Bruton, Somerset.
Known for their keen design aesthetic and love of music sub-culture, Johnny & Daniel enter this new chapter operating three distinctive brands that all carry the common thread of bringing joy to people through thoughtful hospitality.
SMITH & WILLIS will focus on creating owner-managed and partnership brands that embody the group’s guiding principles of “built to last” and “committed to craft”. Through the Smith & Willis leadership programme and other people-focused initiatives, the group will also seek to foster industry-leading career development.
THE LOFT has been brought to life by Creative Director Johnny Smith in partnership with world-renowned design brand Vitra and will be the new head office and studio space for Smith and Willis. Fitted with a bespoke sound system from California Audio and private kitchen with help from neighbours Marrazzi, The Loft will signify a return to the supper clubs of old for Johnny & Daniel, allowing the pair to curate events and dinners for their creative network. The space will also be available for private hire.