Introduction
The @venue was realised in the derelict shell of a former banking hall. The brief called for a restaurant to seat 170 people in as large and light a space as possible. To this end, the interior was stripped back to its structure, and the original roof lights reinstated.
The new facade is all glass to engage the street, provide natural light, and views out from within the deep plan. The facade and rooflight use frameless glazing for maximum transparency, helping to dissolve the division between inside and outside as much as possible.
The kitchen and staff areas are located in the basement, and the air conditioning plant located in a new mezzanine floor above the toilet and storage areas.
The white interior is set against a Spanish limestone floor, with the bar and built-in furniture in American cherry and steel panels providing accents. Glass shelves are lit indirectly by the glowing glass bar top.
Eat London
London restaurant architecture
Samantha Hardingham - 1999
Restaurants - After the Show
Restaurant Review
Ned Sherrin - 1996
Inside Guide
Restaurant Review
Nick Foulkes - 19 Apr 96