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AJ Records brings a 3am music venue and French restaurant to Hanway Place
The former Hakkasan site will mix southern French food, a cocktail bar, live music and a recording studio when it opens in spring 2027.
Key facts
- AJ Records takes over the former Hakkasan site at 8 Hanway Place, W1T 1HD
- Due to open in spring 2027 with a licence until 3am
- 160-seat southern French restaurant plus a 12-seat chef's table
- Acoustic sets during early dinner from 5pm to 8pm
The site at 8 Hanway Place that housed the original Hakkasan until it closed nearly two years ago will become AJ Records, a restaurant, bar and live music venue due to open in spring 2027.
Its founders describe it as an “Urban Culture Dining Club”. The plan combines a southern French restaurant, a cocktail bar that stays open late, a stage for live music and a recording studio. The venue has a licence until 3am.
What to expect at AJ Records
The dining room will seat 160, with a lot of table service and a dessert trolley. There will also be a chef’s table for 12 and a separate cocktail bar. Beyond its focus on the south of France, the menu has not been published yet.
Music will be a large part of the night. Acoustic sets will play during early dinner from 5pm to 8pm, and the music will build from there as the evening goes on. The team is putting together a group of performers, lyricists and producers to run the programme.
Who is behind the Hanway Place opening
Alexandre Santamaria knows the building’s history well, having worked for Hakkasan internationally before this project. He has set up AJ Records with Josephine Garreau, whose other career is in acting. French rapper and producer Dinos has joined as a partner and will be the music director.
No exact opening date has been given. Updates are being posted on Instagram at @ajrecords_london.
Key questions
When does AJ Records open?
In spring 2027. No exact date has been given.
Where is AJ Records?
At 8 Hanway Place, London W1T 1HD, where the original Hakkasan used to be.
How late is AJ Records open?
The venue has a licence until 3am.
Who is behind AJ Records?
Co-founders Josephine Garreau and Alexandre Santamaria, with French rapper and producer Dinos as a partner and music director.
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