Photography: James Balston Photography
Reflecting the vision of CEO Martin Williams, who took the reins in 2018, the Argentinian-inspired restaurant group has revamped both its menu and its appearance.
René Dekker Design was tasked with spearheading the latest Gaucho refurbishment project which saw the ground floor of the three-storey venue, located in the 02 Arena in Greenwich, refreshed and reinvented.
Image Credit: James Balston Photography
Bringing it up to date with 21st Century design, all remnants of the restaurant’s former nightclub-esque appearance have vanished and a more sophisticated and tastefully opulent ambience now pervades.
Black and white Shadowed tiles from Solus’ Esteem range have replaced the once dominant cow hide furnishings throughout the design, offering a subtle nod to the brand’s original identity. Laid on mass, the statement floor offers a truly striking aesthetic.
Image Credit: James Balston Photography
In the entrance and main dining area, the range’s dynamic and versatile personality appears no less bold when arranged in partnership with Solus’ rustic concrete-effect Kingsley tiles from the Replicate range, cut to a bespoke size of 736x736mm.
The rich and earthy tones of the latter create a powerful contrast when placed side by side with the luxurious aesthetics of their marble-effect counterpart, while their intriguing horizontal layout serves to entice customers over the threshold.
Image Credit: James Balston Photography
Solus Area Sales Manager Michael Irvine said: “The black and white marble-effect Shadowed tiles were a fresh and funky antidote to the authentic cow hide furnishings that were a staple of the previous concept, creating a modern twist on the original design.”
Complementing the tiles’ eye-catching appearance, weathered and rustic shades of mahogany, tan and chocolate adorn the furniture, offering a subtle nod to the vast Pampas plains of the Gaucho’s native land.
Image Credit: James Balston Photography
Burnt orange and gold hues further enhance the palette, conjuring images of the hot and hazy Argentinian sun, while regal blue tones offer a sense of occasion.
An awe-inspiring light installation has replaced the extravagant crystal chandeliers, providing a gentle illumination over the bar. Custom-made, the feature has been tastefully designed to replicate the swirling motion of a Gaucho’s lasso, celebrating the rich culture of the nomadic horsemen and cowhands.
Image Credit: James Balston Photography
Explaining the inspiration behind his design concept, Creative Director René Dekker said: “Keeping a connection with the brand’s roots, while acknowledging that times have moved on significantly since Gaucho’s inception in the 1990s, was vital to this project’s success. Solus’ Shadowed tiles provided the perfect opportunity to do just that, offering a subliminal nod to the group’s famous cow hide feature while removing its physical presence.
Image Credit: James Balston Photography
“The rustic looking Kingsley tiles also played a key role, complementing the warm orange and brooding earthy tones that serve as a subtle reminder of Argentina’s warm climate, while the soft fawns and taupe shades reflect the vast expanse of Pampas where the Gaucho roam.”
