Inspiring Restaurant Design: Christopher’s in Covent Garden

Jan

LONDON GUIDE

Sometimes we go out just to have a good food experience and we end up being amazed at an incredible restaurant design. Christopher’s has been one of the most recognized spaces in the London’s Food Scene over the last 24 years (and counting!). Studio DeMatosRyan was the team in charge of this restaurant’s renovation and we really want to share with you this unique piece of interior design.

About the Interior Design Studio:

Since 1999, DeMatosRyan firm has completed a wide range of projects that demonstrate the team’s expertise and enthusiasm for design. They create simple, imaginative and well detailed modern environments incorporating all disciplines from landscape to interiors. The team believes in the social and public role that architecture plays in motivating a community, so they work hard to ensure that their projects are both accessible and engaging for all potential users. Awards: RIBA, Civic Trust, European Hotel Design, FX, D&AD and Roses Design.

Originally opened in 1991, Christopher’s has become a much-loved spot amongst London’s media crowd. It occupies a Grade II listed building in a prominent location right in the heart of London’s Theatreland.

The Martini Bar (below) is conceived as a theatrical and atmospheric drinking parlour, with upholstered banquettes tucked under a canopy of dark sumptuous teal buttoned velvet, which offer a more intimate experience. The main focal points of the room are a gold mirrored and brass clad bar and the black floor lamp called Sinatra and designed by DelightFULL. Bottles are displayed against a faceted smoked gold mirror backdrop cut with the repeat abstracted motif of a martini glass which is animated by a dynamic installation of suspended lights.

The Dining Room (below) is a much brighter space with expansive windows overlooking London’s Theatreland. The furniture is bespoke and includes individual soft back dark wood chairs and booth seating, carefully arranged to create intimacy within the larger dining space and maximise magnificent views across Waterloo Bridge from the smaller dining space. The room is lit by slender black metal wall and ceiling lights designed by Serge Mouille.

The Club Room and Bar in the basement (below) shares the design language of the main spaces, incorporating mirror lined walls and a brass clad bar so that the spaces are distinct yet unified. The entrance hall sets the tone with its charcoal grey walls, restored marble floor and domed ceiling highlighted with warm silver ornament. Ceiling lights designed by DelightFULL.