Pioneer Square is set to lose one of its most iconic establishments as The London Plane, a restaurant that has been central to the neighborhood’s resurgence and a vital part of Seattle’s dining scene, announces its closure after ten years. Owners Yasuaki Saito and Katherine Anderson have revealed that the restaurant will serve its last meals on Christmas Eve.
More than just a restaurant, The London Plane in Pioneer Square has been a multifaceted space, housing Anderson’s flower shop, a bakery, and a beautifully curated larder, all within its inviting walls. Its significance extends beyond dining; it became a symbol of Pioneer Square’s revitalization.
Back in 2013, Anderson and chef Matt Dillon envisioned and shaped this space on Occidental Mall, establishing its now-signature industrial-farmhouse aesthetic. The London Plane quickly became known for its artful lunch menus featuring vibrant salads, flavorful spreads, and exquisite pastries. Establishing such a noteworthy dining destination in Pioneer Square, a historic but often overlooked part of Seattle, was a truly transformative move.
London Plane Pioneer Square restaurant interior with dining tables and flower arrangements
The London Plane became synonymous with the rebirth of Pioneer Square, serving as a steadfast anchor for the community even amidst the challenges of urban issues that unfolded around it. In a candid 2021 article, Anderson openly discussed the difficulties of running a business while facing the complexities of supporting unhoused and mentally ill individuals in Pioneer Square. The pandemic further exacerbated these struggles, especially during lockdowns when downtown Seattle experienced a dramatic drop in foot traffic.
While Dillon remains a partner, Anderson and Saito have been at the helm, maintaining the restaurant’s high standards and appeal. As their 10-year lease concludes, they shared in a newsletter the difficult decision to close.
“We’ve given it our all and just can’t make it work anymore,” Saito explained, highlighting the unsustainable situation. While they are considering future possibilities, their immediate focus is on closing this chapter. They express hope that someone will recognize the potential of the space, one of Seattle’s most beautiful dining rooms, and continue the legacy they have built at this Pioneer Square gem.
The final service date is set for December 24th. “It will be so hard to leave an empty space in a neighborhood we care about,” Anderson and Saito stated, outlining the ongoing pandemic-related difficulties, staffing shortages, and the imbalance between revenue and expenses. The emotional toll of navigating neighborhood crises in Pioneer Square also weighed heavily on their staff.
Saito is also involved in other Seattle culinary ventures, including Post Alley Pizza and Saint Bread. There is hope that the spirit of The London Plane might evolve into something new in the future.
While it might be an overstatement to say The London Plane single-handedly revitalized Pioneer Square – a neighborhood with its own inherent vibrancy – it undeniably played a crucial role in shaping its modern identity. For many, including this writer, The London Plane will be profoundly missed.
