Project: Lyle’s Restaurant, London
Design: B3 Designers
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Size: 120 sqm
Completion time: 6 months
How were you commissioned?
We were invited through the Trishna Restaurant Group. B3 Designers have produced several successful restaurants for this particular client including Trishna, Bubbledogs & Gymkhana.
What was the brief from the client and how much were they involved?
To create a restaurant interior that reflected the era of the Tea Building, with a strong reference to British manufacturing and design from the mid-20th century. This non-fussy interior to be the prefect center stage for James Lowe to express his culinary skills.
How did this brief affect the materials and design choices made?
The existing architecture of the Tea Building and the era that it was constructed were the main influences. The final palette included various tones and textures of concrete, oak & iroko and hammered glass and these were all referenced from a mid-century industrial era.
How did your previous experience help you with this project?
B3 Designers specialise in restaurant design of all types, with various styles of food offers and levels of dining. Lyles allowed us to showcase a more paired back, architectural style where simplicity was key.
Can you explain the layout of the project?
The layout responds to the grid-like nature of the restaurant unit. The space is essentially a square with four columns that divided the space onto a grid, which caused the layout to be almost intuitive.
What problems or challenges did you face?
We sourced over sixty vintage Ercol chairs all of the same stick back style. It was important for the client to reference this historic British design icon but it was touch and go whether we would be able to source this many of one chair type but the results are impactful.
What do you feel are the most unusual design elements in the project?
The over 5 metre long pass counter made out of solid oak is a fantastic work horse for the restaurant team but also creates a subtle and warm foreground to the action going on in the kitchen behind.
How do you think this project is pushing design forward – what makes it special?
This particular restaurant design demonstrates that you don’t have to have a gimmick or a ‘concept’ per se to make a dining space interesting or beautiful. Simple design is often the most relaxing and James and John were keen for their customers to feel relaxed at all times.
Furniture: Vintage Ercol
Lighting: Skinflint Lighting in Cornwall
Flooring: Steyson Concrete Flooring
Wall coverings: Winchester Tiles
