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When it comes to organising a dinner with co-workers or clients, the pressure is on to find the perfect restaurant that a) has space for your group and b) has the wow factor to make it feel a bit more special.
Many restaurants around the world make sure design is an important factor in creating an experience rather than just fine dining. Here is Built-ID’s favourite restaurants for hosting a dinner party with colleagues and clients:
1. German Gymnasium, Kings Cross, London
German Gymnasium – Conran + Partners (Click image to see more)
Located between King’s Cross and St Pancras railway stations, German Gymnasium was originally constructed in 1864 for the German Gymnastic Society. It was the first of its type in England and the first venue to host our National Olympic Games. Conran & Partners and Allies and Morrison were commissioned to create a glamorous yet democratic contemporary European Grand Café to complement the newly invigorated King’s Cross masterplan and transform the Grade II-listed building into a unique destination.
2. Christopher’s, Covent Garden, London
Christopher’s – De Matos Ryan (click image to see more)
Christopher’s has reopened with opulent new interior design by De Matos Ryan. The sumptuous new interiors will transport you back to the bygone era of glamour and decadence, celebrating the exceptional character of the existing building. Originally opened in 1991, the Grade II listed building in a prominent location opposite the Lyceum in the heart of London’s Theatreland. The Martini Bar is a theatrical and atmospheric drinking parlour, with a palette of materials expressing the rich alchemy of cocktail mixology.
3. Dishoom, Covent Garden, London
Dishoom – Afroditi Krassa (click image to see more)
Based on Bombay’s best kept secret, the Irani cafes, AfroditiKrassa wanted to create something totally unique by enhancing the design and branding of Dishoom which tell us the story of its origins. The playfully drooping wires of the suspended lights, along with the ceiling fans, brentwood chairs and aging mirrors further evoke a mid 20th century Bombay experience.
4. Dim Sum Library, Pacific Place, Hong Kong
Dim Sum Library – Fabled Studio (click image to see more)
Designed by London based interior design practice Fabled Studio. Their creative, forward thinking design approach has produced an elegant space that encompasses local intricacies and even complements the colours of the native Chinese songbirds and the beautiful cages which house them.
5. OneOcean Club, Marina Port Vell, Barcelona
OneOcean Club – El Equipo Creativo (click image to see more)
El Equipo Creativo redesigned the OneOcean Club in Barcelona in order to enhance the views and to surround the customer with the specific landscape qualities of its location by the water. Sitting in the restaurant should be like sitting on a yacht deck staring at the sunset.
6. Nanban restaurant, Brixton, London
Nanban – Aldworth James & Bond (click image to see more)
Aldworth James & Bond and Moxey & Deane architects co-designed the brand new Brixton restaurant Nanban, a Japanese soul food venture by Masterchef winner Tim Anderson. The shop front features curved hardwood sills, and fun rickshaw style booths that provide a fun and intimate atmosphere.
7. Levi Roots Caribbean Smokehouse, Stratford, London
Levi Roots Caribbean Smokehouse – B3 Designers (click image to see more)
B3 Designers worked with Levi Roots and Real Restaurants to create a real Caribbean vibe, with Levi’s vision personality entwined in the space. There are items from Levi which incorporated in the design such as his Dragon’s Den guitar, curated music from his personal collection and even a display with the only surviving photograph of him as a child.
8. Suvlaki, Soho, London
Suvlaki – Afroditi Krassa (click image to see more)
AfroditiKrassa redesigned Suvlaki in 2014 to re-conceptualise this famous Greek eatery. With Suvlaki’s food focused on Greek street food culture, Afroditi’s overall creative direction was inspired by Athens’ notorious graffiti, reflecting an authentic, urban side of Greece that’s far removed from the usual tourist clichés. The resulting design buzzes with a raw, witty and unique energy. The palette of blues have been used throughout, in a myriad of rich textures, finishes and patterns, producing a dark, classic, and bold feel.
9. Señor Ceviche, Soho, London
Señor Ceviche – A-nrd (click image to see more)
It may be cold outside but with Señor Ceviche’s skylight and greenery installation, you will feel like you’re dining al fresco in the back garden of a Peruvian mansion. Designed by A-nrd the three-tiered restaurant has an abundance of room for your party.
10. Gymkhana, Mayfair, London
Gymkhana – B3 Designers (click image to see more)
For a unique but opulent feel, visit Gykhana in Mayfair. Designed by B3 Designers, you will see their influence and inspiration of British Raj, with a strong mix of Indian and British cultural references. The restaurant is heavily covered in dark oak with ceiling fans and low-cut glass wall lamps from Jaipur. The decor features hunting trophies from the Maharaja of Jodhpur and marble table tops. Evocative of the gymkhana sporting clubs, the dining room is flanked with Punch sketches, Indian sports prints and Air India postcards.