The Award-Winning Lowland Restaurant and The Pinch Hotel: Two Charleston, SC Gems Together as One

By Mark A Leon

The Pinch Hotel, located at 40 George Street in Charleston, South Carolina, is a boutique hotel that seamlessly blends historic preservation with modern luxury. Opened in 2022, this property is a standout example of Charleston’s architectural charm and commitment to preserving its heritage. It occupies four buildings, including three restored structures dating back to 1843 and a newly constructed three-story addition. Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects in collaboration with Method Co., the hotel offers a refined yet comfortable experience for guests.

What sets The Pinch aside from any other boutique hotel is several unique aspects:

• State of the art staff bringing comfort, elegance and service to the forefront.
• The offering of short-term or long-term stays with full kitchens in every suite.
• Just a stone throw from King Street, but just far enough away from the constant foot traffic.
• Intimate outdoor furniture and fireplace for the evening unwind.
• Luxury dining next door at Lowland.

Awards and Accolades

The Pinch has received widespread recognition for its design and hospitality. 

Additionally, The Pinch has been honored with:

• MICHELIN Keys – The Pinch Hotel received two MICHELIN Keys in 2024. This award recognizes hotels that excel in architecture, interior design, service quality, and consistency. 
• Pro Merito Award – The Pinch Hotel received a Pro Merito Award from the Preservation Society of Charleston. This award is given to preservation projects in Charleston and the Lowcountry. 
• Best New Hotels in the World – Condé Nast Traveler named The Pinch Hotel one of the best new hotels in the world. 
• Hotel It List – Travel and Leisure named The Pinch Hotel to its Hotel It List in 2024. 
• Gold Key Awards – The Pinch Hotel was a finalist for the 43rd Annual Gold Key Awards in the Emerging Hotel Concept category. 
  

Design and Features

The design of The Pinch draws inspiration from Charleston’s rich history while incorporating contemporary elements. Each of its 25 rooms, suites, and residences features full kitchens, Italian marble farmhouse sinks, hand-painted terracotta tiles, and in-room laundry facilities. The interiors are adorned with curated artwork by local and international artists, vintage rugs, and custom furnishings, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

Public spaces include a cozy lobby designed to feel like a living room, complete with vintage McIntosh stereo equipment and reclaimed oxblood leather furniture. Guests can also enjoy a landscaped courtyard with an outdoor fireplace. The hotel’s attention to detail extends to its culinary offerings.

Lowland: Elevated Southern Cuisine

Lowland is another gem within The Pinch Hotel complex. Located in the historic Lequeux-Williams House on George Street—a Greek Revival-style building dating back to 1834—Lowland offers an elevated take on Southern comfort food. Designed by Method Studios, the restaurant combines rustic charm with refined elegance across multiple dining spaces.

Atmosphere

The ground floor of Lowland evokes the feel of a classic English pub, complete with exposed wooden beams, taxidermy accents, and an antiqued copper bar. Upstairs, the dining room features an elegant handpainted mural by artist Dean Barger, creating an intimate setting for private gatherings. 

The Quinte is a revival of a historic space that dates to 1918. Originally established as a billiards hall and cigar parlor called “The Quinte,” it served as a social hub for Navy and Marine Corps servicemen stationed in Charleston. These servicemen participated in billiards tournaments for the coveted “Quinte Cup,” making the venue an integral part of Charleston’s social fabric.

A recent transformative evolution has now merged Lowland and Quinte into one incredible dining experience.  “The Quinte” will be an additional room for Lowland’s offerings, menus, and staff. Guests can book a table at “Lowland” or “The Quinte” (across Ellis Alley from Lowland entrance), and the menus remain the same for both reservations.

Whether you choose the historic home décor of Lowland’s bar and two-floor dining area or Quinte, you are guaranteed a 5-star experience in dining.

Menu Highlights

Curated by James Beard-awarded chef Jason Stanhope, Lowland’s menu showcases seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and fisheries. Some standout dishes include:

• Steamboat Creek Oysters: Served with mignonette sauce, these oysters are a must-try for seafood lovers.
• Cheryl Day Biscuit: Topped with farmer cheese and pepper jelly for a sweet-and-savory treat.
• Shells & Seafood Ragu: A hearty dish featuring rock shrimp, lump crab meat, and parmesan.
• Pork Schnitzel + Savoy Cabbage: Served with mustard butter and capers for a tangy twist on a classic dish.
• 24-Hour Short Rib: Accompanied by potato purée and chimichurri for a rich and satisfying entrée.
• Buttermilk Panna Cotta: A dessert favorite paired with pistachio cake and orange curd.

Lowland also boasts an impressive beverage menu featuring craft cocktails like the “Tavern Martini” (gin or vodka with herb oil) and “Pistachio Haze” (rum blended with pistachio orgeat and tropical fruits).

Together, The Pinch Hotel and Lowland represent the best of Charleston’s hospitality scene. By honoring their historic roots while embracing modern luxury and culinary innovation, these establishments offer unforgettable experiences that capture the essence of this iconic Southern city.