The Pinch, a new luxury boutique hotel developed and designed by Philadelphia-based hospitality company, Method Co., in partnership with renowned New York-based architect, Morris Adjmi Architects, officially opens its doors this month at King & George Street in the heart of historic Charleston.
Housed in two original Victorian-style structures dating back as early as 1843, alongside one newly constructed building, the new property has been thoughtfully transformed into a boutique hotel experience, featuring 22 luxury rooms and suites, and three residences that are available for stays of 30 days or longer. The hotel will feature two forthcoming restaurants coming later this summer: a cozy oyster & cocktail den, and a full-service destination restaurant with a vibrant outdoor cobblestone courtyard. The second hotel to open outside of Philadelphia for Method Co., the visionaries behind the beloved hospitality concepts: Wm. Mulherin’s Sons, HIROKI, ROOST Apartment Hotels and Whyle, The Pinch will continue the brand’s mission of blending high-end, boutique hotel experiences with modern conveniences & amenities, along with creating thoughtful and distinct culinary concepts, to bring a new level of service to Charleston’s hospitality scene.
Taking cues from the existing building’s architecture, which are part of the National Register of Historic Places, The Pinch draws inspiration from the building’s rich past and city’s preservation efforts over the years, establishing a place that elevates hospitality through soulful design, and cultivates a deep respect for heritage. The hotel and forthcoming restaurants are an assemblage of three buildings, with luxurious rooms, suites and residences, a hotel lobby, spa, and oyster & cocktail bar, all housed in the former Bob Ellis buildings that were built in 1869, which still features the original facade retained along King Street, while the Lequeux-Williams House, previously a private residence dating back to 1843, has been repurposed into a full-service destination restaurant and bar that boasts an expansive third-floor penthouse residence with original detailing, a bespoke kitchen, and a working fireplace. The Pinch’s interiors showcase a timeless appeal, with a crisp, streamlined aesthetic that creates a contemporary look, where each of the guestrooms, public spaces, and residences fuse the heritage of its built environment with warm tones from traditional materials such as clay, stone, and original wood, melded with modern design elements to create a multi-layered look – one that reflects Charleston’s constantly evolving future with its nostalgic appeal.
The Pinch’s entrance is located at the rear of the main building off of Ellis Alley, a gas lantern-lit cobblestone alleyway that connects the lobby entrance across to the Lequeux-Williams House and George Street. Upon arrival to the lobby, guests are greeted by a reclaimed free-standing oxblood leather concierge desk, a vintage McIntosh stereo, and a combination of highly articulated finishes and vintage fixtures from a range of eras to evoke the feeling of a living room, including eccentrically curated vinyl, books and artwork. Historically accurate wooden windows and French doors allow light to flow and highlight the welcoming fireplace in the lobby courtyard, while contemporary hues in the custom-made BDDW sofa, the vegetable dyed rug and a Snoopy table lamp, bring a ’70s inspired curve and softness to the mix. The cozy lobby features an original painting by acclaimed artist, Lucas Reiner, along with reclaimed raw wood floorboards and cream cloaked plaster walls.
Each of The Pinch’s 25 luxury accommodations are a mix of king and loft rooms, one- and two-bedroom suites, and residences. While there are subtle variations and unique configurations in each room, including private balconies and a landscaped terrace, all feature afull kitchen with marble or black walnut countertops, Italian marble farmhouse sinks and unlacquered brass taps by deVOL, BlueStar ranges, and custom cabinetry. The bathrooms all feature unlacquered brass Waterworks fixtures, hand-painted terracotta Moroccan floor tiles, luxurious walk-in showers with Clé Zellige tiles, and black walnut vanities with honed Arabescato Calacatta stone. All rooms, suites, and residences include washers and dryers and ample closets. The Lequeux-Williams House penthouse residence features an open concept, separate king bedroom, spacious living and dining area with a working fireplace, as well as a private veranda overlooking Ellis Alley.
Built to age gracefully, bespoke finishings layer the soulfully minimal designed room, including lighting from Santa & Cole, Original BTC, Allied Maker, and handmade open-fired raku style ceramic glazed lamps by Aaron Poritz. Artwork throughout The Pinch includes etchings, graphite, and paintings by Lucas Reiner, lithographs by David Salle and Kelsey Brookes, paintings by Fausto Rossi, in addition to a collection of photography and artwork by various artists. Furnishings include armchairs from Lawson-Fenning, lush velvet sofas by Interior Defined, Chelsea Textiles dressers and nightstands, and a collection of custom pieces by Aaron Poritz & Morris Adjmi through their FurnitureWorks studio. Wallcoverings throughout are by Lewis & Wood and Farrow & Ball, and vintage rugs were curated in collaboration with Old New House. The lobby is an eclectic mixture of classic and contemporary furniture including BDDW, Ochre, Gubi, Lawson-Fenning and custom pieces by Ben Johnson. Throughout The Pinch is an assortment of vintage found objects, living plants and books. The outdoor terrace off the main lobby includes a wood-burning fireplace and custom furniture by Casamidy.
The hotel will also be home to two full-service restaurants opening later this summer: The Quinte, a turn-of-the-century oyster house & bar with a direct connection to the lobby in the main building; along with a destination restaurant located across Ellis Alley in the Lequeux-Williams House, a freestanding, nineteenth-century neoclassical house, both designed by the Philadelphia-based company, Method Studios, in collaboration with Stokes Architecture. The Quinte will be rooted in the ceremony and traditions of British oyster bars and cocktail establishments, featuring a gleaming 18 seat marble bar, showcasing an ever-changing daily menu of the freshest seafood available. Adjacent to The Quinte will be the full-service destination restaurant at the ground floor of the Lequeux-Williams House. The restaurant will be based on French fundamentals and the soulful cuisine of Charleston, inspired by the seasons and curated using ingredients that are meticulously selected from local purveyors that make up the fabric of the community. It will feature several separate dining areas: an intimate bar and dining area located in the former carriage house featuring a wood-burning fireplace, original pine floors, and a copper bar. The main dining area located in the former head house residence consists of two rooms on each floor, both with their own restored original fireplace, while the second floor includes an intimate six-seat bar. Behind the carriage house in the rear yard of the Lequeux-Williams House will be the courtyard garden, which will have an outdoor bar as well as forty outdoor terrace seats providing a great environment for drinks and bites throughout the afternoon and evening. Both restaurants will showcase beverage programs that feature quality-driven craft cocktails along with a curated list of local beer and an extensive wine selection with a focus on French and European producers.
Located in the heart of downtown Charleston on the bustling intersection of King & George Street in the Ansonborough neighborhood, The Pinch is situated in a prime location just steps away from high-end retail shops, a vibrant dining scene, the College of Charleston and close to many historical attractions. With a rich history, Charleston today is America’s most beautifully preserved architectural and historical treasure, home to a thriving hospitality spirit that can be felt throughout its welcoming, romantic neighborhoods, preserved architecture, award-winning restaurants and the resurgence of a thriving cultural and art scene.
