Meanwhile, in London – the same year – David Collins Studio unveiled its interior for Massimo Restaurant & Bar at the new flashy five-star Corinthia Hotel. Kerridge’s Bar & Grill is a relaxed brasserie-style restaurant dining room with an adjacent bar open all day.  The grand, high-ceilinged restaurant space seats 90 covers and is furnished with a mixture of leather upholstered restaurant dining chairs and deep button-backed banquettes with a dark green and burgundy colour palette.

Along with David Collins Studio, DPA lighting consultants were brought in to complete the bar lighting design. Having previously worked with Corinthia Hotel London on different projects, the team were asked back to create a design that met the needs of the hotel’s overall aesthetic, budget, timeframe and ease of use.

SEE ALSO: Discover the best bar decor ideas from London bars to steal

The original design for the Massimo Restaurant and Grill was pastel-toned with a central line of giant glass bauble chandeliers in the centre of the vast room. Kerridge had a clear vision to create a much more personal, intimate and romantic environment for his diners. Aware that the weight of bearing a Michelin status can put some potential customers off from visiting, Kerridge felt it was key to draw inspiration from his pub in Marlow that welcomes all into its comfortable restaurant dining experience.

Upon entering the Corinthia Hotel London restaurant, customers are welcomed by large barrels of real ale that present a sense of familiarity through scent and sight that immediately sets the tone for the dining space. Taking historical inspiration from the Victorian aesthetics, the interior design team decided to paint the vaulted ceiling a deep green, which draws the high ceilings down to a more comfortable human level. It is also in keeping with the architecture of the Corinthia Hotel London, which is believed to be from the Victorian era. Throughout the cosy and rich bar interior design, chunky dark restaurant bar furniture complements the dark green ceiling, creating an intimate dining experience.  Classically proportioned, the brasserie-style restaurant, once a vision of light, beige and creamy tones, has been transformed by David Collins Studio into a darker, more seductive space.

SEE ALSO:  Bar interior design ideas – the best David Collins projects

Each area of the restaurant space was carefully identified and allocated a specific bar lighting fixture to suit its needs. Ceiling spots were integrated into large openings to allow each table to be individually lit, ensuring the food and service look good at all times. The architectural spotlighting was provided with narrow beam lamps and existing spotlights were re-lamped to narrow beams to allow for easing focus on dining, artwork and countertops at low levels. Tungsten halogen lamp picture lights illuminate artworks in the bar area and sculptures in niches have miniature LED warm white spot uplights.

For more bar furniture solutions consult our Shop page.

Is your first time that you’re reading Bar Furniture blog?

Why not be weekly updates regarding the best dining/restaurants decor ideas. Subscribe to our newsletter here

Written by Rita Rodrigues

Vogue Lounge, Mahanakhon cube, Bangkok (Thailand)

Launched in November 2014, Vogue Lounge, Bangkok is housed in the top floor of the Mahanakhon cube, a luxury retail and lifestyle centre in the heart of thailand’s capital. The cube is part of the iconic Mahanakhon development. Designed by David Collins Studio and created in collaboration with Condé nast and Pace Development, the lounge comprises a restaurant, bar and terrace at 515 square metres with 120 covers.

Taking inspiration from iconic black and white photographs from the Vogue archives the concept reflects the timeless luxury and glamour of the Vogue brand. Vogue Lounge’s beautiful bar interior design reaches an A rating due to the cosmopolitan lounge area seating, like the golden brass stools with backs upholstered in leather!

Artesian at Langham Hotel London (UK)

Created for Langham Hotels & Resorts and opened in 2008, the award-winning Artesian bar lounge takes its eclectic inspiration from the Victorian cabinets of curiosities featuring hidden textures, details and references including jewelled mirror jewelled panelling, blue and purple crocodile tiles mixed with leather bar stools, bespoke lacquers referencing la chasse aux papillons, and a pagoda bar.

Three oversized hand-crafted chandeliers add to narrative exploring the empire and the far east within the scheme.  Artesian has won the title of the “world’s best bar” in 2012, 2013 and 2014, as well as the “most influential european bar” in the cocktail & spirit awards.

SEE ALSO:  Bar interior design ideas – best Jeffrey Beers projects

The Century bar, Gleneagles hotel, Perthshire (UK)

Located in Perthshire, the Century bar, one of Scotland’s most iconic bars and the main bar at Gleneagles, is 290 square metres and was created for client ennismore in June 2016. The design team was tasked with creating an elegant and contemporary space that would enhance the guest experience, whilst celebrating Gleneagles’ heritage and scottish identity. Restored original panelling, art deco-style lighting and a brighter colour palette better reflect the history of the hotel, while window spaces have been opened up to maximise the views of the ochil hills and provide a connection between the interior and exterior of the property.

An atmosphere of warmth and understated elegance has been created through traditional textiles and upholstered bar stools, including accent fabrics, accessories made by scottish ceramicists and custom stained glass screens created by dunblane-based firm ramoyle glass.

The Gilbert Scott Bar, Saint Pancras Renaissance, London (UK)

The Gilbert Scott is one of london’s lost treasures, emerged after years of hiding following David Collins studio’s subtle intervention. The design was developed in collaboration with english heritage and is is inspired by historic railway stations. Opened in may 2011 and created for Marriot hotels, the Gilbertscott bar has 40 covers and is managed by marcus wareing.

SEE ALSO:  Bar interior design ideas – the best Meyer Davis Studio projects

Claridge’s Bar at Mayfair, London (UK)

Claridge’s bar is an art deco bar located within london’s best-known grand dame, claridge’s, a hotel known for its design heritage.  Claridge’s bar opened in september 1998 and was designed by david collins studio for the maybourne hotel group.

Browse our selection of counter & bar stools for even more inspirations, or follow our Restaurant Bar Stools Board for inspiration.