GS MAGAZINE APRIL 2014

art luxury casinos plus

HOTELYMPIA 2014 Design Awards Design Gallery Design Seminars

ISSUE 64 gsmagazine.co.uk

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April 2014 VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.gsmagazine.co.uk

ISSUE 64 gsmagazine.co.uk

art luxury casinos plus

HOTELYMPIA 2014 Design Awards Design Gallery Design Seminars

Editor Stirling Johnstone Tel : +44 (0)20 7833 3772 editor@gsmagazine.co.uk Design : Miles Johnstone Tel : +44 (0)7888 998208 design@gsmagazine.co.uk Contributors Cover Image Crown Aspinalls Club, Mayfair Photographer: Richard Southall, Emphasis Contributors Jonathan Brook Michelle Du-Prât Catherine Chetwynd Peter Hancock Laura MacSweeny Julie Oxberry Photography Julian Broad David Grandorge Nikolas Koenig Richard Southall Kirstin Prisk

We welcome your comments email them to editor@gsmagazine.co.uk

Editor’s note

H

Design events co-hosted by GS Magazine ave you registered for Hotelympia at ExCel yet? It is without question the industry event of the year and from a design perspective there’s much to do and see.

Highlights include a very special award presentation to Sir Terence Conran and a panel discussion about the great man

and his influence on the London restaurant and hotel scene over the decades.

There’s a packed seminar programme taking place in the free-to-enter Design Theatre, with award winning architects, designers and specialists from home and abroad taking the stage to provide common sense advice and plenty of inspiration.

Learn about garden design, new styles, Asian design, art, lighting design, new materials, colour trends, bathroom design, luxury interiors and much more. Our line up includes some of the most well known and colourful individuals from the world of design so you can also expect to be thoroughly entertained. Look out for the SBID and BIID sponsored presentations on the first two days and the

Print Stephens & George, Wales

Dornbracht sponsored talk on day three.

© STEVENSON PUBLICATIONS LIMITED, 2014 No part of GS MAGAZINE may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher.

The views and opinions expressed in GS are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor does he accept liability for any printing errors or otherwise which may occur.

If you’re looking to appoint an architect or designer for a new project then come to

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best new hotel. The standard of entries has been phenomenally high making the

GS Magazine supports the aims and objectives of ACID

year’s Hotelympia. Go online now to register at www.hotelympia.com/GS

the Design Gallery and Lounge. Here you’ll find a selection of specialists with the expertise and experience to meet your needs. Whether you plan to open a new bar, restaurant or club or you want to refurbish your hotel or pub, or simply want advice on design issues, you’ll find what you’re looking for at the Design Gallery.

We’ll also be announcing the winner of the Hotelympia 2014 Design Award for judging process particularly difficult. Hotels don’t get much better than the three finalists we’ve selected and their General Managers will be attending to talk about what makes their hotels so special.

All this, and hundreds of exhibitors showing thousands of new products in the biggest hospitality trade show in the country. Be assured of a big welcome at this

GS Magazine 3

MeirĂŠ und MeirĂŠ

Dornbracht Sensory Sky ATT

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Culturing Life

07

18

CONTENTS features

12 13

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HOLBORN DINING ROOM An instant classic from the studio of Martin Brudnizky

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BARNYARD Corrigated iron and wooden planks provide a unique atmosphere for this new London restaurant

14 16 18

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ZACRY’S Cornish delights in the Watergate Bay Hotel

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THE FABLE Drake & Morgan deliver another winner in the City



THE MEANING OF LUXURY And who would know better than Peter Hancock, CEO of Pride of Britain Hotels

20 23 26

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CASINOS Casinos are tapping into the mainstream with enticing designs



Qbic HOTEL Is this new hotel the King of the Jungle?



ART Every picture tells a story. So says international art consultant Minda Dowling

HOTELYMPIA 2014

23

33

28 29 30 33 36 07 50

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Introduction to the biggest hospitality trade show in Britain

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The Design Seminar Programme

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A profile on the Seminar Speakers

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The Design Award Finalists

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A selection of the designers exhibiting in the Design Gallery

regulars  

LAUNCHPAD Including Roka, Earlham Street Clubhouse, Sixty One, The Generator and Clink EDITOR’S CHOICE Music, technology, cleaning services, furniture and funky lighting

GS Magazine 5

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LAUNCH PAD [ new openings + refits ]

Roka Mayfair

Creator and founder Rainer Becker fashioned Roka Mayfair to be a relaxed yet elegant dining destination, not dissimilar to the original Roka that opened in Charlotte Street ten years ago (which is still, by the way, one of my favourite restaurants). Roka Mayfair brings its unique style of contemporary Japanese Robatayaki cuisine and its sophisticated urban design to this exclusive London neighbourhood. Like the original, the heart of this restaurant is the robata grill, which is an integral design element of the room and the source of the vibrant, welcoming energy that flows throughout.

And again, like the original, the interior of Roka Mayfair showcases the collaboration between Rainer Becker and esteemed designer, Noriyoshi Muramatsu of Studio Glitt.

Contemporary in feel, materials and textures are gracefully balanced: reclaimed and natural wood, raw steel, casted concrete, and hints of oxidised copper. In addition, glimpses of crimson complement the design with a plush upholstered wall, hand-painted with Japanese prints.

The main dining room seats 80 guests, the robata counter seats a further 26 and an outside terrace seating 12 will be available during the warm weather.

ROKA Mayfair, 30 North Audley Street, London W1.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7305 5644 www.rokarestaurant.com

SixtyOne Chef-patron Arnaud Stevens launched Sixtyone in November 2013, in partnership with Searcys. Prior to that he was executive chef at 30 St Mary Axe (the ‘Gherkin’), another Searcys venue.

The interior has been designed by Tonik, a multi-disciplinary design practice whose varied restaurant work includes the Chiswell Street Dining Rooms, Roux at Parliament Square and the Jugged Hare, reviewed in GS last year.

The restaurant seats 61, and has a private dining room for up to 16 people and features camel and light grey leather dining chairs and banquettes, pale green and mirrored walls, and copper coloured light fittings.

A very classy interior in which to enjoy modern British cuisine.

SixtyOne, 61 Upper Berkeley Street, London W1 Tel: +44 (0)20 7958 3222 www.sixtyonerestaurant.co.uk GS Magazine 7

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LAUNCH PAD [ new openings + refits ]

GENERATOR Generator (generatorhostels.com) offers travellers stylish, design-led, central and affordable hostel accommodation. It’s Europe’s fastest growing and most innovative hostel brand. Generator currently has nearly 5,200 beds located across six countries and plans are underway to have 18 hostels with over 12,500 beds operating by 2018.

The London Generator in Bloomsbury, which opened in 1995, has just undergone a complete refurbishment, carried out by main contractors, County Contractors, a company who are fast becoming the firm of preference when it comes to hospitality projects.

Originally a police section house, the property now features 872 beds across 212 rooms, including 20 new en-suite twins.

Anwar Mekhayech, Partner at DesignAgency, Canada, worked in partnership with ORBIT Architects and County Contractors to transform the property into what must be London’s most contemporary and innovative hostel spaces. Here he explains “The overarching concept includes the inherently eclectic

cultural, architectural, stylistic and historical mash-up that makes London what it is. The design stirs up and connects spaces with a modern industrial feel, but privileges different areas with their own distinctive look and concept based on programme and usage.”

Striking furniture by Moooi, Moroso and Tom Dixon create a relaxing and social environment for guests. Art installations and bespoke graphics have been executed by Shoreditch based art collective Acrylicize in collaboration with DesignAgency.

Good Wives and Warriors have created a customised Generator piano in the café and talented Londonbased Jenni Sparks is the artist behind the hand drawn map of London that decorates the travel shop.

The bar is home to a replica Routemaster London bus and the lighting has been designed by CASTOR using recycled fire extinguishers. Generator is vibrant and fun and a far cry from the very basic youth hostel accommodation of yesteryear.

London Generator, 37 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SE Tel: +44 (0) 20 7388 7666 www.generatorhostels.com GS Magazine 9

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LAUNCH PAD [ new openings + refits ]

Earlham Street Clubhouse Designed by Matt Rawlinson of the award-winning Raw Design, this 160 capacity basement venue combines classic clubhouse interiors with vintage boardwalk glamour.

Reclaimed wood panelling, exposed brick and battered suede seating sit alongside recycled tin advertising signs and Coney Island fairground lights.

The bar stretching along one side of the venue is clad with Victorian mahogany doors and a bespoke copper top, and fitted with retractable cocktail menus attached to the ceiling. Booths hidden down secret passages are fitted out with their own phones and boast a vintage gas pump serving ice cold beer directly to the table.

Earlham Street Clubhouse, 35 Earlham Street, Covent Garden, London WC2.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7240 5142 www.esclubhouse.com

CLINK The Clink Charity opens the doors of The Clink Restaurant at HMP Brixton – the charity’s third training restaurant located within UK prisons. Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL has been appointed as chef ambassador for the restaurant, following in the footsteps of other industry greats including Italian legend, Antonio Carluccio, chef ambassador for The Clink Restaurant at HMP High Down and Welsh chef Stephen Terry, chef ambassador for The Clink Cymru at HMP Cardiff.

The restaurant interiors have been styled to give prisoners (and guests) a feel for what they might expect in the outside world, even down to the detail of the table laying and the professional uniforms for front and back of house, supplied by sponsors Denny’s.

With the sole aim of reducing prisoner reoffending, The Clink Charity mentors each graduate weekly for a further six to 12 months, once training is completed and prisoners are released, supporting them in finding full time employment. Continued mentoring is crucial to the ongoing rehabilitation of prisoners in the UK with The Clink Restaurant at HMP High Down achieving a reoffending rate of just 12.5% in 2011 compared to the national average of 47%.

Visit www.theclinkcharity.org. or to book a table at one of The Clink Restaurants please visit www.theclinkrestaurant.com/restaurants/ book-now.

GS Magazine 11

Holborn Dining Room

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artin Brudnizki Design Studio has created a vibrant British brasserie with adjoining delicatessen, set in London’s latest luxury hotel, Rosewood London.

Once a former bank hall, but most recently the restaurant Pearl, the space has been transformed into one that is both stylish and familiar and in keeping with the timeless sophistication synonymous with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.

Situated across from the Brudnizki designed Scarfes Bar, so named in honour of resident artist Gerald Scarfe, the Studio has once again utilised the heritage of the Edwardian Belle Époque building whilst adding a contemporary twist.

The brasserie features designs inspired by the finest aspects of British craftsmanship. All furniture was custom made for the project, including reclaimed oak furnishings, antique mirrors and opulent red leather upholstery with tweed fabric detailing. To illuminate the space, an eclectic selection of vintage lamps have been scattered across the room and nestled amongst bespoke furniture to create a warm and enticing atmosphere whilst the seating, ranging from stools and tables to more intimate booths and banquettes, has been designed to make customers 12 GS Magazine

feel welcome for every social occasion.

Further animating the space, bespoke bars flank both sides of the room having had each gantry hand-sculpted from solid pieces of brass and bearing unique and distinctive markings.

Taking inspiration from the honesty of an old fashioned shop front, meats and produce hang above the antique patina copper bar top of the dining counter, which has been further adorned with aged gold lamps to provide a stylish surrounding for customers to enjoy a small bite.

Just opposite, the main bar runs the full length of the room, providing seating for 16 patrons to perch themselves upon rich, red leather bar stools. The impressive drinks selection on display is housed in a tall, freestanding antique brass frame, influenced by a Victorian hospital trolley and designed specifically to preserve the Grade II listed marble walls.

In the former private dining room adjoining the brasserie, the Studio has created a quaint delicatessen. Utilising the grandeur of the building, the imposing entrance features the original dark mahogany doors fitted with a bespoke opening mechanism and invites customers into the authentic and alluring delicatessen inside. All the

charms of an Edwardian shop are carried through, as wooden and brass shelves filled with food surround the room, reaching up to the chandelier above. The delicatessen provides the perfect complement to the Holborn Dining Room and a destination for passers-by to sample the rich produce on offer.

Holborn Dining Room & Delicatessen, Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1.

Tel: +44 (0)203 747 8633 www.holborndiningroom.com

Barnyard

D

abbous is still one of London’s hot tickets and the waiting list for a table continues to grow. It’s interesting that the new Barnyard restaurant has opted not to take bookings. Guests just turn up and hope for a free table although if they can’t get in there’s plenty more on offer in Charlotte Street so they won’t go hungry. Barnyard is the latest project from Oskar Kinberg and Ollie Dabbous, headed up

by General Manager Charlie Bolton and Chef Joseph Woodland. As the name suggests there’s a nod towards the agricultural and the interior has a distressed farm inspired rusticity heavily featuring reclaimed timber and corrugated tin. In keeping with this style the playlist is predominantly indie folk, country and blues.

Dabbous Co-owner Oskar Kinberg says “We wanted to do something fun and upbeat, and are delighted to assist Charlie and Joseph, who are both extremely talented and hard-working. It’s not another burger or chicken joint. Just home-cooking, done well and without all the washing-up”.

Charlie was a key member of the opening team at Dabbous, working behind the bar alongside Oskar. He then went to manage the bar at Burger and Lobster in Mayfair. Joseph trained for at The Square before moving to Launceston Place.

Barnyard, 18 Charlotte Street, London, W1T 2LZ www.barnyard-london.com GS Magazine 13

life’s a beach

H

ousehold has worked with Watergate Bay Hotel for a number of years, developing and implementing the concept of ‘active relaxation’ for the brand’s not-spa experience. Recently, the customer experience design firm was asked to extend this theme through to the main dining space.

The existing brasserie was to be redesigned to house Zacry’s, a destination restaurant aligned with the informal sophistication of the refurbished Living Space and Ocean Room areas.

For this, Household created a series of spaces that do a multitude of things, allowing for the high traffic of self-service breakfasts for hotel guests and seamlessly adapting for dining couples and group parties when the restaurant is open to the public in the evening. As part of the brief, Household was also asked to consider how wedding parties might hire part or all of the space.

Brought in to update the food offer at Watergate Bay, Executive Chef Neil Haydock has compiled a menu for Zacry’s of contemporary classics inspired by cuisines of the wider world, but anchored in Cornwall’s own ingredients.

Neil has also played a vital part in the setting of a brief for the restaurant and the redesign of the kitchen areas.

Household approached the variety of seating arrangements required by first breaking down the restaurant into three distinct spaces. First up, and visible upon entry, the main dining area has 14 GS Magazine

Images: Kirstin Prisk

Zacry’s

a long zinc-topped refectory-style table running through its centre, and large domed pendant lights and timber floor anchoring its buzzy, communal style of dining. Second, there’s the open kitchen, where the food is passed out and the help-yourself breakfasts and family seating is found in the form of leather-clad booths on a striking black and white stone chevron floor.

Last is the new lighter, brighter extension area to the right, which has an orangery feel with its floor-to-ceiling windows and terrace access. The zigzag leather banquettes, with their fluted-glass divides, mark the original line of the extended building. These create intimate pockets for diners, as well as offering views across the bay. The tables are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing the restaurant to cater for varied groups. At the rear of the restaurant is a quiet space that houses a round table for small parties, while a private dining room with a more clublike feel is located beside the wine cellar wall.

As part of the brief, Household had to bring a new level of sophistication to Zacry’s. This allowed them to create a distinct difference here from the experience found at the Living Space across the main reception. Zacry’s is a more formal dining offer and the palette reflects this, while also being effective from dawn to dusk. Durable leathers in rich tan and deep blue were selected for banquettes with high backs and buttoning, while comfortable bespoke upholstered chairs are mixed with others in a more refectory style.

The large-scale chevron floor runs in the

same pattern from oak through to black and white stone tiles for the open kitchen zone, which requires floors that are easy to clean.

Lending itself to a brighter environment, both the orangery area and the kitchen are kept simple and fresh with white and warm green wall tiles.

Panelling unites the pockets of space with a muted colour palette that is fresh during daytime, yet intimate at night. Each zone has its own feature lighting: the oversized domes over the refectory, the delicate brass fittings in the terrace space, and the box pendants over booths in the open kitchen area.

In line with the local feel, Watergate Bay has enlisted the help of local illustrator Briony Cloke, whose drawings adorn menus and the Zacry’s website.

Zacry’s, Watergate Bay Hotel, On The Beach, Watergate Bay, Cornwall.

Tel: +44 (0)1637 860543 www.watergatebay.co.uk GS Magazine 15

The Fable

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he Fable is the latest offering from Drake & Morgan, the awardwinning, hugely successful City bar and restaurant operator. Drake & Morgan have created a group of individually themed venues that are linked by the nature of their offer: all day opening, to cater for early breakfasts, mid-morning snacks, lunches, afternoon teas, dinner and late night drinking. Of course, this concept is hardly a new one. Keeping a venue open for as long as possible makes good commercial sense - you pay rent and rates on a premises whether it’s open or not - but Drake and Morgan have designed a method where the daytime and evening offers switch from one to the other seamlessly and the venues, which include The Folly, The Drift and the Anthologist, are constantly busy. In addition, their venues provide retail opportunities: you’ll find a takeaway deli or a florist in almost every one. And crucially they are located in busy City locations where a large body of people are contained within a relatively small area and being City workers, mostly in the financial sector, the offices too are open pretty much around the clock. In terms of design, Drake & Morgan have created a partnership with one designer, Fusion DNA, who have been responsible for all of their interiors.

16 GS Magazine

The Fable is designed over three floors with an entrance on the ground floor - where the road runs underneath the Holborn viaduct - and one on the third floor, which opens onto the viaduct road above. It’s an interesting building that will have thrown up its own challenges as nearly 80% of the building’s walls are glazed, making it necessary to cleverly ‘house’ back of house operations within three open plan floors whilst still providing natural daylight wherever required.

According to project designer Sam Smith the way in which they approach every Drake & Morgan project is the same, “We always start by reviewing our previous sites and checking what works and what doesn’t. That way we can avoid repeating anything that has proven to be less successful” explains Sam. “Then we look at the shell, decide on the regulations (emergency exits, fire, safety and so on) and then we play with the space like a jigsaw, trying out any number of configurations before settling on what we feel is best.”

The ‘jigsaw’ pieces refer mainly to individual bookable spaces within the plan that can be intimate, providing a degree of privacy, or huge, suited for large groups and parties. And that’s the key to their success. Drake and Morgan create several component parts so there’s something

there for everyone. And each part is defined by its own designed ‘look’ rather like the differently decorated rooms of a house.

You would expect a venue named The Fable to have a story or two to tell and one was unearthed during the building process. The building was discovered to be on the site of an 18th century Inn. In fact work was stopped whilst a team led by the British Museum carried out an excavation. It was possible to discover what type of meals were served, by the number of discarded animal bones found on the site, and from that what type of customer would have frequented the Inn. It’s a romantic notion but I like to think of any number of Dickensian characters passing the time of day there.

Perhaps a Fagin or a Bill Sykes dealing in stolen contraband in the darkened snugs and corridors.

The Fable theme is evident throughout with various story telling references incorporated into the design. Of particular note is the Aesop’s Table, where a large semi-circular booth has been created by stacking hundreds of books on top of each other. Unsurprisingly, this has quickly become one of the most popular seating areas.

Phrases and sayings (mainly from fairy tales) in different fonts and sizes can be found in any number of places in The Fable; they’re fun and they inspire customers to hunt for

more: “Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, life gives you a fairytale” or “Don’t stagnate, keep moving”. There are dozens of them. Some walls feature potted plants, others have bookshelf wallpaper or printed jungle type palms. Giant reading lamps hover over tables and ivy-clad bicycle spokes hang from the ceiling.

Different zones are furnished with different styles of seating, from deep leather sofas to tall steel-framed stools and just about everything in between. The floors are wooden here, tiled there, sometimes plain and sometimes patterned.

The large bars on each floor are all different in their design to retain customer interest and to encourage returning guests - three different bars to choose from under one roof, why go anywhere else!

It’s a serious business, the bar and restaurant business. The pressures to perform consistently, to meet targets, to please customers, to serve quickly and to provide entertainment are immense and constant. These pressures aren’t lessened when a bar is successful. If anything they’re more intense because they become standards of expectation. And what is most impressive about Drake and Morgan venues, including The Fable, is that whenever you visit, day or night, you find the highest standards are applied and yet the staff appear to be having just as much fun as the customers. And that’s a rarity!

The Fable, 52 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1.

Tel: 0845 468 0105 www.thefablebar.co.uk

GS Magazine 17

Luxury in design

by Peter Hancock FIH FTS FAFWS FHOSPA, Chief Executive of Pride of Britain Hotels

B

etter brains than mine have tackled within these pages the subject of hotel design, which continues to evolve in a fascinating way with creative flair being used to change the whole look and feel of environments that were once terribly dull and predictable.

However, as a marketer for luxury hotels over many years I have been lucky enough to sample at first hand a marvellous range of high quality places to eat and stay including probably the extremes of both traditional and cutting edge design. I don’t have a preference one way or the other, because to my mind luxury is all about comfort and ease. Let me try to explain.

Thinking about hotel bedrooms, space is luxury. Being able to swing a cat, or better still a Bengal tiger, immediately removes many of the annoyances one finds at cheaper hotels. Lights should be easy to operate and the switches where you’d expect to find them… but they often aren’t.

Our remote controls for the TV and sound at 18 GS Magazine

home are complex and we’ve mastered them through repeated use, but if you’re staying just one night in a hotel can you really be bothered to learn a whole new set of instructions? Ease of use is as essential to the luxury experience as the beauty and quality of the device in my opinion. The same goes for radios – if there is a stand-alone radio it shouldn’t be difficult to operate, that’s why I am always delighted to find a Roberts or Ruark on the bedside table. Better still if it’s already on when you arrive, tuned to a pleasant station and the room is at a nice temperature.

No luxury hotel expects guests to manage without a hairdryer, but frequently one finds it impossible to plug the thing in next to a mirror, a great frustration especially to those with more hair than me. And why all those cushions? If you’ve just arrived knackered from a long journey your first job is to clutter the floor with silky cushions so you can lie flat.

Design creeps into much of what goes

into bathrooms, including the little bottles of shampoo and shower gel. Without glasses on, many guests find the writing impossible to read and on one occasion I washed my head with mouthwash for this reason, a far from luxurious experience. Similar considerations apply to a bedside clock - simple operation and a large, easy to read face make for a happy guest, as do heating controls that are straightforward.

On the wider issue of design in all parts of a hotel, it is certainly possible to achieve the “wow” factor with stylish shapes and colours. I remember visiting a highly acclaimed modern hotel in the USA a few years ago and being hugely impressed by the look of the place. But oh dear, the rock hard couch was so low I could hardly rise from it and opaque lampshades reduced reading lights to the power of a glow worm.

Dining rooms that are really luxurious tend to have tables spaced well apart, so your conversation can feel reasonably private, and

the chairs are cosseting. Menus are easy to read and food is presented on white china so you can appreciate how it looks. In other words, design should not get in the way of one’s enjoyment.

I have noticed that some articles about design focus almost entirely on the look of an interior. This is obviously very important indeed, but at many of the hotels I know well, outside London, the view is almost more important. If you’re lucky enough to stay at The Torridon in the Scottish Highlands you can ask for a room that has a bath set in its own bay window where you can wallow in your hot, soothing bubbles and feast your eyes on the marvellous Loch and mountains outside. No amount of crystal glass and tartan can beat that. Hold a business meeting at Barnsley House in Gloucestershire and the floor to ceiling glass almost brings the fields outside into your space. A high point of one of our own meetings there was when a cow pressed her nose right on to the window to spy on us…clever design indeed.

And here is a little example of all the best aspects of design in luxury coming together in one tiny package. At Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisans a dish of olives was brought to us with our pre-dinner drinks. It was a pure white oval dish with a spout just big enough to shove the stones into – a trap door in its bottom, like the opening to a money box, allowed them to be disposed of – which was both pleasing to the eye and a genuine aid to our convenience. Luxury!

About Pride of Britain Hotels Great hospitality is the key to Pride of Britain’s longstanding reputation for excellence in hotel-keeping. The consortium is a not for profit organisation that belongs to its member hotels, a collection of 50 independent, mostly family-owned, luxury hotels to be found in some of the most beautiful locations around the British Isles.

Each has its own distinctive style and character but all of them are run by people with an absolute passion for great hospitality. www.prideofbritainhotels.com We are grateful to Peter Hancock for writing this article for GS Magazine. Peter will be joining us as a part of the Hotelympia 2014, design seminar programme, where he will be interviewing the excellent Lynne Hunt, of Lynne Hunt London, and discussing how she creates luxury in designed interiors.

GS Magazine 19

by Catherine Chetwynd

20 GS Magazine

W

hen in 1762 John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich called for a steak between two pieces of bread to sustain him during roundthe-clock gambling, little did he think that he had invented something that would last 2½ centuries. And just as the esteemed Earl would be astonished at how exotic the sandwich has become, conversely, he would be amazed at how casinos now provide mainstream appeal.

Where once they were the domain of the rich and élite who entered the exclusive and elegant surroundings of a casino to spend huge, often reckless, amounts of money, now they are places for a night out, with less emphasis on gambling and more on eating, drinking, screening of big matches and other entertainment.

This change has come about for a number of reasons. Online gambling has grown exponentially in popularity, bringing gaming to the masses and upping its profile. This has raised awareness of the empirical incarnation, changing people’s perception of places that used to be considered inaccessible. In addition, the introduction of the Gambling Act 2005 allowed casinos, bookmakers and online betting sites to advertise their services on TV and radio in the UK for the first time, and the membership requirement for casinos was lifted.

As a result, there are now more than 30,000 gaming machines in more than 9,000 high street betting shops and a less prolific 3,000 gaming machines in the 142 more regulated operating casinos, so there is greater competition in the sector.

And although the UK industry is not modelled on the super casinos of Las Vegas, when, in 2005, London Clubs was bought by Caesars Entertainment, the world’s largest gaming company, this brought a more American style into the business.

“We are the only operator in the UK to mirror the approach of Las Vegas casinos by working in partnership with celebrity chefs,” says group marketing director (EMEA) Sarah Sculpher. “Our Alea casino in Nottingham features a Marco Pierre White Steak House and Manchester235 is home to James Martin’s biggest restaurant in the UK. These are aspirational places to visit on a standalone basis and as a result, we have introduced new audiences to the casino offering.”

The clicks to bricks route is epitomised by PokerStars, which opened in March 2013, as PokerStars Live in London’s The Hippodrome Casino. “It is the company’s first location in Europe and although it has a strong brand identity on the internet, they felt they needed a designer to create a physical brand standard they could replicate in other locations as they GS Magazine 21

start to expand into other European cities,” says managing director of design company MKV Maria Vafiadis.

MKV developed a stainless steel screen for the PokerStars area of the casino. “It can be lit with red, blue or other variations, depending on what atmosphere you want to create,” she says.

“Lighting was important because we did not want to introduce colour by using red chairs or carpet.

“They say red makes people become more proactive; blue is a bit more subtle and relaxing. Casino operators want to create more comfortable spaces so that players will become absorbed in the gaming and play longer.”

Lighting is not the only seduction technique used by casinos and sound also features: “It is not by chance that slot machines make a noise – it is associated with gain,” says Maria Vafiadis. Tills ringing…

Associate designer for Harrisons Design John Bentley has been working for Genting for three years. “With every project I do with them, we are trying to ramp up the experience to combat competition on line. It is not so much about betting and gaming but encouraging people to go to a casino for the entire evening,” he says. “We have tackled everything from the environment to the menu.”

Lighting, which had been maintained with energy efficient fittings, also got a makeover.

“It produced too many white lights, which do not create atmosphere and mood,” says Bentley, who introduced large, feature overhead lights to illuminate tables but are still energy efficient.

“The colour is much warmer,” he says. Corporate colours appear in carpets and wall finishes, so customers know they are in a Genting establishment.

Even the layout is strategic, with slot machines positioned so that customers walk amongst them to get to the gaming floor, with more near the bar and the cashier desk. “If you have got a bit of cash left over, you might spend it on the slot machine, like you might buy chocolate at the till in a supermarket,” says designer Anthony Bishop of Design at Source.

And culture plays a part: “Some colours have significance to certain nationalities and we have to bear this in mind where the design needs to cater for a specific customer base; on larger projects, it is common to seek input from a feng shui consultant; and the way sound is controlled around the venue has to be considered, too.”

He emphasises the need to create a good night out: “It is about changing the perception of a casino – most of them are not as high end as Crockfords, they are more like Resorts World at the NEC, where it is all about the experience,” he says. Resorts World opens in 2015 with a hotel, designer retail outlet, 11-screen cinema, conference centre, restaurants and bars, and a casino.

The last word goes to director of consultancy GBGC Lorien Pilling: “The growing popularity of poker tournaments on line has influenced the land-based casinos to increase the number of 22 GS Magazine

poker tables and to attract a younger audience.

“The right light, décor, mood and colour can make a casino successful. One of the latest casinos to open is Aspers in Milton Keynes and promotion of that is more about food and

beverage options than slot machines and tables.

Casinos have become a more mainstream night out, customers are not always going to gamble, and that change in atmosphere is getting a different crowd in.”

Qbic Hotel King of the Jungle: The new Urban Hotel Experience

N

ow an industry driven by travel apps, social networks, holiday cost comparison sites and a global community of enthusiastic jetset bloggers, the face of travel retail has changed significantly in recent years and now gives consumers more freedom than ever before when it comes to tailor- making their own unique travel experiences. The movement has inspired a whole legion of globetrotters who travel frequently to a variety of destinations near and far and enjoy nothing more than sharing every minute detail of their experiences with their digital savvy peers. It is not surprising therefore, that there has been a huge increase in popularity for boutique budget-

style hotels that provide guests with top-class basics and extraordinary hospitality and design experiences, so even the most cost conscious traveller can satisfy their wallet without having to comprise on comfort or style.

Launched in November 2014, Qbic hotel in London city aims to do just that by offering guests a unique urban and cultural experience in a comfortable yet chic environment without having to break the bank.

As the designer of the public spaces, Blacksheep takes the opportunity to explore why Qbic has been so successful in creating a high-end urban experience within the budget-travel sector.

Located in the hub of one of London’s most

creative neighbourhoods, Whitechapel, Qbic boasts an excellent location with easy access to buzzing Brick Lane, famed for its art galleries, fashion boutiques and food outlets to some of London’s best landmark destinations such as Tower Bridge. Also, only a few short minutes by tube to the heart of the city’s business district, it provides the perfect location for business professionals and thrillseekers alike.

The challenge with many budget-style hotels lies in maximising the space in order to ensure it creates a welcoming environment. With many budget counterparts falling short by making the public spaces feel empty, we wanted to ensure that Qbic’s lobby represented a range of different GS Magazine 23

zones within the main space. Therefore, each zone has it’s own unique feel and style, meaning guests can enjoy the overall ambiance of the area whilst relaxing with an element of privacy. The space is spilt into five different zones, reception area and entrance, dining area, lounge, library area and kitchen. The space takes inspiration from the rooms and areas within an actual home to create a residential aesthetic and make the most use out of the overall area.

From the outset, we wanted to create an atmosphere that didn’t feel budget by incorporating home comforts where possible whilst also giving guests an introduction into the brand’s ethos. On arrival guests are greeted by bespoke colorful crate lighting in the entrance lobby giving an instant impression of the Qbic culture, centered around

24 GS Magazine

fun, colour and vibrancy. A unique fireplace feature acts as a central focus point as you enter the lounge area, providing an immediate sense of welcome.

Additionally, a large communal kitchen island displaying a tempting array of local and organic produce seeks to connect with the guest through a strong sense of familiarity by inviting them to use the space as they would do their own home.

The ultimate ethos behind Qbic is that it integrates into the local community, creating a welcoming and flexible space for all to enjoy and belong. We sought to take inspiration from the creative energy of the East End and infuse this with Qbic’s own brand values of humanity, fashion, food, art and design. The hotel lives these values through inviting a range of locals to its fold – from local Brick Lane bakers to small local businesses

and upcoming artists – to use the space as their own creative sanctuary. The design approach reflects this as it presents innovation from a range of local suppliers as well as artists and designers, each with their own story to tell.

Qbic uses online check-in stalls in the reception – complimented by friendly staff – giving the customer greater control of the experience and taking the hassle out of long check in –check out ques. The lounge adds a homely and welcoming feel allowing guests to relax, cook their own meals or enjoy the eclectic variety of food choices from the surrounding area in the comfort of the hotel environment. All these elements combine to allow guests the freedom and flexibility to manage and enjoy their stay, on their terms. Business travellers make up a large percentage of the hotel’s guest

profile. The location, hassle-free check-in and out facilities, free Wi-Fi and the relaxing atmosphere of the lounge combine to also create the perfect space for a makeshift office throughout their stay.

References to the location of London’s East End are dotted throughout the design solution including neon signage depicting the words ‘alright treacle’. Materials used are bright and flamboyant in their nature and include a clash of patterns to create an energetic and vibrant atmosphere, which resonates with the surrounding area. The theme of locality is translated far beyond the design with the hotel forging strong partnerships with local charities such as Bikeworks and Foodcycle, both of which operate back to work schemes for locals. Over 20% of Qbic’s staff now come from the charities themselves, meaning that guests are

provided with local knowledge and insight to inform their stay. Theses collaborations also allow guests to partake in bike tours around the area whilst also providing them with local culinary experiences through pop -up food stations in the hotel’s lobby, giving guests an essence of real East London living.

Due to the traditional perception of budgetstyle hotels – those that provide the bare essentials in often characterless and under-designed environments – many guest’s expectation’s remain low.

Head receptionist, Christine commented on her favorite part of the job at Qbic; “ I love meeting the guests when they first arrive because they don’t know what to expect. It’s a real joy to see the surprise and excitement on their faces as they take

in their new surroundings”.

Qbic Hotel aims to raise the guest’s expectations throughout the entire journey and is committed to elevating their experience. Espresso machines on each level, friendly staff with a local knowledge, breakfast bags packed with fresh local produce hanging by your door and surprisingly comfortable mattresses from eco-friendly Naturalmat, represent just some of the extra-mile hospitality touches that guests can look forward to during their stay at Qbic Hotel.

Qbic Hotel, Adler Street, London E1. www.qbichotels.com This article was written exclusively for GS Magazine

by Laura MacSweeny, Head of Communications, Blacksheep www.blacksheep.uk.com

GS Magazine 25

ART

A

s a part of the Hotelympia 2014 design seminar programme, International Art Consultant and Curator, Minda Dowling, will be talking about her work with some of the biggest hotel groups in the world.

Here Minda has kindly agreed to shed a little light into her unique approach.

GS At the beginning of a new hotel commission what thought process do you apply as a consultant?

MD Well the first thing you need to consider is where the hotel is located.

Then you need to consider who are the people who are going to be viewing the art. What type of clientele are they?

Are they going to be trendy? Are they going to be predominantly business people, or conservative or from a specific cultural background? These things are vital. Then of course you have to take into account budgets and the brand of the hotel. Is it going to be a St Regis or an InterContinental or whatever? Every brand has its own identity and provides a unique customer experience that needs to be reflected in the art.

GS Should hotel staff know about the art that’s on display?

MD Absolutely. I think that should be part and parcel of the service of the hotel. Ideally, a customer should be able to turn to any member of staff and ask the question “Can you tell me something about this piece of art?” and the staff should be able to inform them.

That would be wonderful. At the very least they should have a little knowledge about it and then refer them to a book about the art, kept perhaps behind the Concierge desk. And that should have all the information about the hotel’s art, the artists themselves and even a little information about the individual pieces.

GS Should modern buildings contain modern art?

MD Not necessarily. I believe that the art needs to be reflective of the project itself.

For example, you might find a modern building that has more of a period feel to it. So the short answer is that the art needs to reflect the style and period of the hotel and not the building.

GS Should you rotate art within a hotel?

MD No. I don’t believe that works for lots of practical reasons, not least the maintenance issues. When you 26 GS Magazine

put together an art collection, it is specifically thought out for each area. You take into account size, lighting and lots of things besides. You even consider how structurally strong the walls are to hold different pieces of art. If you start to move the art around, you’re immediately faced with the problems of filling holes and repainting so from a technical point of view it doesn’t work. But I also think that clients who keep coming back to the same hotel like the familiarity of everything that is there and if you keep moving things around it can be a little disorientating. From a consultants point of view there’s a thought process regarding where the art is placed initially. It’s there for a reason. If you jumble it all up, the thought process is broken.

GS So are you saying that an art installation should be an integral part of the fabric of the hotel?

MD Yes I am. It should be “turn right at the red painting”!

GS The theme of your talk at Hotelympia will be about telling a story. can you explain what this means?

MD Well obviously I’m going to go into detail about this at the show, but telling a story through art is a way to make a hotel’s design more narrative.

The art combines with the hotel’s design to provide

a ‘sense of place’. And by that I mean that when a guest wakes up in the morning they ‘know’ where they are. Whether it’s Paris or Rome or New York or London. Not just because they’ve looked out of the window but because of the essence of the room. the whole feeling of the space that they’re inhabiting should provide the ‘feeling’ of the outer location. I’m a great believer in the sense of place and the first thing I will ask a new client is just that, “Do you want to embrace a ‘sense of place through the artwork?” And if the answer is yes then I will start to research the location and try to bring in as much local art as possible. And as much local history as possible. To embrace local flavours and tastes, and here I mean the local colours, the energy and the vibrancy of the town or city. And by doing that the hotel can start to represent and belong to its location.

GS And what about the client who doesn’t want to embrace a sense of place in their hotel?

MD That’s fine, we just find another story and that’s the exciting bit.

GS Is there a danger of becoming repetitive with the story?

MD Well I’m a native New Yorker and as the saying goes, “There are eight million stories in the naked city”. I think that applies to any place.

GS Magazine 27

MAGAZINE

Sir Terence Conran

a Steve L

rd ie Boucha

...in association with GS Magazine

Design Gallery & Lounge tudy the work of some of Britain’s talented architects and interior designers in a purpose built Gallery space in the Interiors section of Hotelympia. Here you’ll find inspiration and ideas and have the opportunity to meet the designers to discuss your projects directly with them. A selection of the design firms involved in the Gallery scheme are highlighted on pages 36 to 49 in this issue.

S

Design Seminars The programme appears opposite and short biographies of our brilliant speakers appear on the following two pages.

Sir Terence Conran On Monday Sir Terence will be presented with the Hotelympia Lifetime Achievement Award and a display tribute wall will be located in the Interiors halls (alongside the Entrance lobby).

Conran launched some of London’s most popular restaurants and hotels and all will be featured here.

On Tuesday, in the Design Seminar Theatre, we will be discussing the impact that Terence Conran has made on the industry, his influence and his legacy.

His former business partner, Joel Kissin, and head of design at Conran+Partners, Tina Norden, will be joining us.

BIID On Tuesday members of the British Institute of Interior Design will be attending in the droves.

Hotel tours have been arranged at the new designled Aloft Hotel, by the hotel’s architect and designer, James Dilley of Jestico+Whiles and two CPD accredited afternoon talks will be followed by a networking reception.

SBID On Monday, Vanessa Brady, designer , President and Founder of the Society of British and International Design will be interviewing the owners of Europe’s biggest Hotel Architects, ReardonSmith. Patrick Reardon and Conrad Smith will join Vanessa for this special SBID event in the Design Seminar Theatre.

Hotelympia Design Award - Best New Hotel The difficult job of selecting just three finalists for 28 GS Magazine

the Hotelympia 2014 New Hotel Design Award has now been completed. The quality of entries were superb, illustrating that UK interior designers are truly amongst the very best in the world. And with a few notable exceptions it seems that the city hotels have proven to show the most innovation and imagination. We were looking for style, comfort and invention. Places that are destined to become design classics of the future and we are convinced that we’ve found them.

So congratulations to our finalists and commiserations to all those who entered the competition but didn’t quite make the top three.

Amongst our favourites and worthy of comment were The Crowne Plaza in Glasgow, for successfully creating a local product for the global traveller; The Sands hotel in Margate, a charming seafront boutique that is at the forefront of Margate’s regeneration; Dorny House in the Cotswolds, with its individually designed rooms and exceptional new spa and Qbic London City, a non-conforming urban hotel designed with humour and great spirit. That hotel is featured in this issue.

And so we come to our three finalists. Three new city hotels that are outstanding examples of modern design excellence. They are: The London EDITION, designed by Yabu Pushelberg & Ian Schrager (see page33) ME by Melia, designed by Foster+Partners (see page 34) and the Great Northern Hotel, designed by Archer Humphryes Architects (see page 35) On Monday, the hotels’ General Managers will be discussing their hotels on the Seminar Theatre Stage and telling us what makes them so good. The winner will be announced at 4pm.

Jan wilson

Una Barac

Jenny Gib bs

We are most grateful to our line up of expert judges...

Dennis Irvine

Stirling Johnstone

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Julian Broad

HOTELYMPIA design events

the design seminar programme...

The Hotelympia Design Seminar Programme, in association with GS Magazine MONDAY - April 28th 11.00 Music Masterclass Tracks to success. A panel discussion with Bert Fraiquin of DJ-Matic, Paul Dimmock of Sunflower Music and Chris Gunton of CGA Integration. Chaired

by Mark Bracken of Bracken Media.

12.00 Bargh Bargh Blacksheep!

An animated discussion with Robbie Bargh, founder of international bar consultants, Gorgeous Group and Tim Mutton, owner of one of Europe’s fastest growing design firms, Blacksheep. They will be talking about how to design and create new restaurant and bar concepts and taking questions from the audience.

13.00 The SBID Interview Vanessa Brady, President of SBID interviews Patrick Reardon & Conrad Smith of Europe’s leading hotel architects, Reardon Smith Architects.

14.00 Lighting Design with Michael Curry of leading Lighting Design Consultants DPA 15.00 The Hotelympia Design Awards Preview An in-depth look at the three finalists’ hotels, including interviews with the General Managers.

The Winner will be announced on the main stage at 4pm.

15.30 - Main Stage The Hotelympia Lifetime Achievement Award This most coveted award will be presented to Sir Terence Conran.

16.00 - Main Stage The 2014 Hotelympia Design Award for Best New Hotel TUESDAY - April 29th 11.00 Art in Architecture & Design Kate Sweeney of Perspective AIA will show how artistic features can be made through creative design.

12.00 Garden Design for the Smaller Space Peter Bonner, Landscape Designer, teacher and lecturer for the KLC School of Garden Design discusses the art of designing fabulous, low maintenance gardens in small areas and courtyard spaces 13.00 The Conran Influence No single individual has had a bigger impact on the London restaurant and hotel scene. Tina Norden, Director of designers Conran & Partners and Joel Kissin, restaurateur and Conran’s former business partner look back over 5 decades of Sir Terence Conran’s business life in hospitality.

14.00 - 16.00 BIID Seminars Starting with Harnessing Colour Trends 2014-2015

by Lori Pinkerton-Rolet PPBIID, Past PresidentBritish Institute of Interior Design and Director of Park Grove Design Ltd. The use of colour and its implementation within hospitality sector is particularly important as interior atmospheres can affect return custom and occupancy. Our session begins by establishing the origin of colour trends, who uses them and why.

We’ll review examples of best practice and look at how trends can be effectively used in conjunction with maintenance programmes. Current and upcoming colour trends for 2014-15 will complete the picture, providing concrete information to use in refurbishment or new build schemes.

Followed by How designers approach commercial projects by Charles Leon.

BIID board member and former chairman of the Interior Design Association (who have now merged with BIID) Charles Leon of CLA, will be discussing the designer’s approach to commercial projects. Leon is the man behind many highly individual projects and states “If you want to practice safe design, use a concept!” We know that good design costs money, but does bad design cost more?

16.00 BIID Networking Drinks event WEDNESDAY - April 30th 11.00 Pure Luxury An interview with one of the most sought after designers in the high-end luxury sector, Lynne Hunt.

This interview will be conducted by Peter Hancock of Pride of Britain Hotels.

12.00 New Materials Ian Hunter of the Materials Council will be discussing new surface materials and their application in hospitality design 13.00 The Perfect Hotel With Nathalie Salas, founder and editor of PerfectBoutiqueHotel.com She will be discussing her favourite hotel suites, lobbies, bathrooms, restaurants and gardens from across the globe and explaining what makes them so special.

14.00 Art on Display Adam Zombory-Moldovan of ZMMA will be discussing how and where to display art to the best advantage with a catalogue of examples.

15.00 Overseas Design Ed Davies of GA Design International looks at Asian design trends and their impact on the UK market.

16.00 Yorgo Lykouria

World renowned Architect & Product Designer.

“Architecture has more to do with creating experiences than building structures”.

Session sponsored by Dornbracht THURSDAY - May 1st 11.00 Art. Every Picture Tells a Story Art curator Minda Dowling of Artefact, Hotel Art Consultants, illustrates how a carefully selected art collection can help provide the narrative for hotels and restaurants.

12.00 Bathroom & Loo design Award winning designer Simon Spiteri of Design LSM talks about designing the perfect bathroom and loo, showing a few of his personal favourites as examples.

13.00 Hotel Designs of the Future Larry Malcic, Senior VP & Director of Design of HOK, one of the world’s leading design firms.

14.00 New Materials Annabelle Filer, SCIN Gallery rounds off our programme with a look at what the future holds in terms of new materials in design and building projects.

Sponsors of Wednesday’s 4pm session with international designer, Yorgo Lykouria, kitchens and bathrooms fittings specialist Dornbracht will present its new electroplated finish Cyprum at this year’s Hotelympia. Produced from fine gold and genuine copper, Cyprum will adorn the surface of Dornbracht’s iconic fitting series, MEM. Visit Stand number 3536 to see Dornbracht’s range of new and innovative bathroom products.

GS Magazine 29

Speakers & Presenters at the Hotelympia 2014 Design Seminar Theatre Adam Zombory-Moldovan Adam is the principal of ZMMA, Architects and Designers. His passion for creating atmospheric, comfortable and indulgent places to enjoy food has led to numerous restaurant and delicatessen projects, with the firm having developed the special skill of helping and advising food start-ups.

Annabelle Filer SCIN is rapidly gaining a reputation as the UK sourcing and advisory company for materials. Annabelle, a trained architect and co-founder of SCIN, is a regular monthly contributor to FX Design and Grand Designs Magazines bringing materials to the readers and has judged a number of surface design awards. She advises and designs new surfaces and along with other SCIN colleagues lectures to Schools of Architecture & Design, Architects and Designers.

Bert Fraiquin Bert is the MD of Netherlandsbased DJ Matic. He has profound experience in multimedia automation solutions and knows the hospitality sector. An avid music lover, he is passionate and knowledgeable about what music (and visuals) can do for businesses of all types.

Charles Leon Charles set up his own design practice, Charles Leon Associates, in 1997, specialising in hotel design. He has since broadened the range of the company to incorporate architecture, residential, spa and restaurant design. He is a board member of the BIID (British Institute of Interior Design) and is an RSA fellow.

Chris Gunton Chris is the founder and Managing Director of CGA Integration; industry leading specialists in sound, 30 GS Magazine

light and video systems integration. CGA works with prestigious hotels, spas and Michelin Star restaurants to design, install and maintain systems throughout their venues, with minimal visual impact, to maximise the customer experience.

a diverse range of projects, including commercial, corporate, academic and civic buildings. His involvement begins at the strategic design stage and continues throughout the development and execution of projects.

Edward Davies Ed is an Associate of GA Design International, one of the leading Hospitality Interior Design practises working with a truly International clientele.Much of Ed’s work is abroad but his most recent UK undertaking was as Senior Designer - Project Manager in charge of the luxury Corinthia Hotel project in Whitehall, London.

Lori Pinkerton-Rolet Lori has been Director of Park Grove Design since 1993, working in the residential and contract markets and with a passion for improving design criteria within the care home sector.

She is the recipient of the 2012 BIID Award of Merit for outstanding achievement in the field of Interior Design as is a Past President of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID), a member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and an Affiliate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Ian Hunter Director of Materials Council and architectural materials researcher. With a background in industrial design and 4 years experience as materials researcher at Foster + Partners, Ian works with designers and architects to encourage innovation and excellence in material use for the built environment.

Joel Kissin A former business partner of Sir Terence Conran, Joel left the UK in 2002 to develop residential properties in America. he has now returned to London and to the restaurant business to launch Boulestin and CafĂŠ Marcel in St James. Inspired by the French restaurateur, author and pioneering TV presenter Xavier Marcel Boulestin, whose eponymous Covent Garden restaurant opened in 1927.

Kate Sweeney Based in London, Kate Sweeney has over 18 years experience in the art world and specialises in the area of contemporary and modern art. In 2005, Kate founded Perspective, where she continues to lead numerous collaborative efforts with international artists, architects, councils, developers and occupiers of buildings to integrate art within schemes around the world.

Larry Malcic Director of Design, HOK International Limited, London. Larry Malcic leads the design process for HOK in London and provides design direction for

Lynn Hunt One of the most sought after interior designers, Lynn is design director and founder of Lynn Hunt London. Her broad experience in interior design and project management has been predominantly in the hotel and leisure industries although she does work on luxury residences and corporate office interiors.

Mark Bracken During his career, Mark has held senior management roles with Eastlake Audio, Denon, Rolec and Imagesounds. Seeing a growing need for content and marketing services within the AV industry, Bracken Media was set up with the aim of providing video and interactive content production.

Michael Curry Michael has worked in lighting design for 20 years and joined dpa lighting consultants in 1999. He has worked extensively on many prestigious projects worldwide and has been an integral part of the Practice’s

growth and development over the past decade.

Michael leads one of two design teams based in the Oxfordshire Offices of dpa.

to masterplanning and building design. Its richly varied projects are in Turkey, Kazakhstan, Vilnius and Azerbaijan as well as the English countryside and of course, London.

Minda Dowling Native New Yorker Minda Dowling has been selling fine art since 1977.

Recognising the impact that unique art can make in hotels, Minda founded Artefact Hotel Art Consultants in 1984 in collaboration with Ray Brill. Based in London’s vibrant West End, Minda has been sourcing and commissioning unique art collections for hotels around the world ever since.

Paul Dimmock Paul has spent his working life in the music industry. He founded his company in 2000 and now, 14 years on, Sunflower Music has an enviable track record in supplying tailored music solutions for hotels, restaurants, bars, spas and retail businesses.

Clients include Virgin Atlantic, Lacoste, British Airways, Corinthia Hotels, Handpicked Hotels and Luxury Family Hotels.

Nathalie Salas Nathalie is a freelance travel writer and marketing consultant based between the UK and Italy. Pursuing her passion of boutique hotels, she reviews hotels around the world as well as helping them to improve their marketing strategies.

Nathalie is Editor & Founder of travel site Perfect Boutique Hotel and is also a judge for the annual World Boutique Hotel Awards.

Peter Bonney Peter has been in constant demand since 2000 designing and building gardens. He has designed gardens covering a wide variety of styles from formaltraditional to minimalmodern, ranging from city courtyard gardens to large country gardens in Britain, Turin, Dijon and Los Angeles. Peter also works at the KLC School of Interior Design and Garden Design running short courses and working in the open learning department.

Patrick Reardon & Conrad Smith Patrick and Conrad are co-owners of Europe’s leading hotel architectural practice, ReardonSmith Architects. While a senior team of creative and associate directors is now in place to help lead the 50-strong practice, Patrick and Conrad remain ‘hands on’, especially during the early conceptual phase of projects. Both are also regular contributors to industry initiatives, not least the Sleep ReardonSmith Student Award which aims to inspire talented young architectural and design students to consider a career in hotel design. The practice continues to specialise exclusively in hotels and resorts and offers landscape design in addition

Robbie Bargh Robbie Bargh runs Gorgeous Group, an international awardwinning specialist in bars, restaurants and hospitality. They consist of a core team of experts who have worked at all levels of hospitality and they advise, plan, create, design, inspire, assist, support, train and develop to help create hugely successful operations across the globe.

Simon Spiteri Architectural Director, designLSM. Simon qualified as a Chartered Architect in 1996, after completing his RIBA pt. III at the Bartlett School of Architecture. Prior to joining designLSM in 2007, he worked for international architectural practice Gensler and he has also run his own independent architectural practice.

Today Simon draws upon his breadth of experience specializing in hospitality and residential design for

both independents and iconic brand names in the sector.

Tim Mutton Tim is the founder and CEO of Blacksheep, the award-winning, international and independent design agency. Winner of the Wave of Future Award US 2012 for hospitality design, Tim is considered a leading authority on the hospitality sector. He combines a passion for F&B design with in-depth sector knowledge of the practical, business and operational aspects of a business.

Tina Norden Tina studied architecture at Westminster before joining Conran and Partners in 1997 and completed her MA in Architecture & Interiors at the Royal College of Art in 2000. She has extensive creative and project running experience at a variety of scales in both the hospitality and leisure sectors and has been responsible for all D&D London (formerly Conran Restaurants) projects since 2003.

Vanessa Brady Vanessa is the President of the Society of British and International Design (SBID).

She is an internationally recognised, award winning practitioner and consultant.

Her business skills hold her in good stead for her varied work with SBID. Graduated with an MBA in business management, she completed the Chartered Director programme for corporate governance and negotiation management and is licensed by the Office of Fair Trading and qualified in Health & Safety building management.

Yorgo Lykouria Yorgo was born in Canada and continued moving further away from homeuntil he found one.

It’s London; arriving here in 2002 to start the multidisciplinary studio, Lykouria Ltd., producing architecture, product design and film, a natural extension of the architectural mastery of space and light. Lykouria’s product design portfolio includes car interiors for Ferrari, and an array of AIT/Red Dot/IF award winning products for innovation, for companies such as Mont Blanc, Vitra, Moroso, Dornbracht, Alape and Siemens lighting company - Siteco.

GS Magazine 31

The new PT Series

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As seen in the London Edition

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32 GS Magazine

Roka Restaurant - Mayfair

Finalist - The Hotelympia 2014 Design Award

LONDON EDITION “The stand out quality has to be the nonintrusive, intuitive service that generates an immersive memorable experience”

“Loved the art curation, wonderful collection from artists such as Coppi Barbieri and Simon Watson.

It could be argued that the ‘historic framework’ for the interior is already there and there wasn’t much to do. However, these sorts of spaces are much easier to get wrong than get right”

“Traditional listed character balanced with sophisticated design sensibilities creating intelligent charm and charisma with ease”

The London Edition is one of the most classically glamorous hotels in London today, but what impresses most is the rare feeling of inclusion in a 5* hotel. This is a fine balance for a high end establishment to achieve in a market where many hotels may feel stylish, but come across as standoff-ish or unwelcoming “The restaurant must be one of the most impressive and photogenic spaces in London.

The bar looks glamorous and I’m sure is a nod to the CLIFT in San Francisco”

Images: Nikolas Koenig

“The rooms were visually warm with considered lighting and natural textures and materials giving a sense of tranquillity. The rooms also achieve complete blackout in a discreet manner”

“Loved the art curation, wonderful collection from artists such as Coppi Barbieri and Simon Watson. It could be argued that the ‘historic framework’ for the interior is already there and there wasn’t much to do. However, these sorts of spaces are much easier to get wrong than get right”

GS Magazine 33

Finalist - The Hotelympia 2014 Design Award

GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL “Rooms were warm and comfortable with good use of a restrained colour palette of historically accurate tone”

“This hotel punches well above its weight”

Great Northern Hotel is a well designed luxury boutique hotel with an extraordinary location, offering unrivalled value to the discerning traveller. Magnificently refurbished and designed, this iconic central London hotel brings the elegance of its past back into the centre of London’s King’s Cross St Pancras

“It is refreshing to see such an innovative and thoughtful approach to creating a new hotel on a site that would normally be occupied by a midrange brand hotel”

“A thoughtful and sensitive design” “Here is an owner/ investor who has taken a risk, done something unique and different and who really lives and breathes his product”

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Finalist - The Hotelympia 2014 Design Award

ME LONDON

“Achingly cool - a visual masterpiece”

“There is no other hotel in the UK quite like this. Every turned corner or opened door reveals new and unexpected visual delights”

In this new build hotel the interior concept fuses contemporary detailing with classical traditions, its dramatic monochrome palette a combination of rich textures and luxurious natural materials. The architect and interior design is the work of Foster+Partners

“One of the best and most lively bars in town. Beautiful rooftop views and beautiful people.

Non-stop buzz“

“The STK restaurant in terms of visual impact, spatial design, branding and comfort - ten out of ten”

“The bedrooms are understated, crisp and sophisticated. The location, situated on a constantly a busy road, where the Strand meets the Aldwych, could spell disaster in terms of noise and yet these rooms are silent” “A lovely property, it just works”

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Genson Interiors A

s part of the Genson Group – Genson Interiors Limited can draw on many years’ experience working in the Hotel and High-End Residential Sectors to deliver results that always reflect their clients’ vision and aspirations. Their aim is to create visually appealing and luxurious interiors that clients will find welcoming, comfortable and memorable.

Their design team work to a simple brief – to interpret a client’s wishes into a unique vision, never being content to offer anything less than high impact coupled with luxury. To create an interior that takes into account the location, clientele, and the corporate vision of its clients.

Materials are sourced from a wide variety of international companies ensuring all finishes are of the highest quality.

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More than just a design team – they are able to take a project from the birth of a design concept right through to the final flourishes of style and quality that make a project truly standout. Project Director Steve Gentry explains; “A meticulous eye for detail and an ability to maintain a projects momentum while keeping within its budget are what makes a project successful, and this is the reason why Genson always exceed our client’s expectations.”

A number of residential projects have involved the complete renovation of houses and apartments in and around London for European and International clients who require fittings based on personal tastes and cultural influences that not only make them unique but also personal to their needs. The Group includes a Construction and Building Services

team that can integrate seamlessly to incorporate full design, planning, build, renovation and finishing as a complete turnkey package or any combination of these elements.

“This combination of knowledge, professional skills and technology and our proactive attitude towards our clients enables us to deliver on all expectations and improve the value our clients get from the planning, construction and operation put in place as a standard practice” adds Steve.

“Our strength is our attention to detail and systematic approach to our design work. We work with the client to create functional and beautiful spaces that guests will want to return to again and again.”

Tel: +44 (0)1635 813908 www.genson.co.uk

“By working in close partnership with our interior designers we can take a project through every stage with our clients - from conception to completion�

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Humble Arnold Associates H

umble Arnold Associates, Food Service Design Consultants, have been bringing ‘a tradition of design excellence’ to projects for 47 years.

Examples of their kitchen, servery, buffet and bar designs can be found at the following locations:

Astra Zeneca, Paddington NPower, Sunderland

Hotels Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai Hilton, London, Burton & Abu Dhabi Hyatt, London, Doha & Sochi

Education Hammersmith Academy University of Westminster SaÏd Business School, Oxford

Restaurants oblix, The Shard Zuma, London & Dubai La Petite Maison, Istanbul

MoD RAF Wittering RNAS Culdrose Catterick Garrison

Business and Industry Barclays Bank, Canary Wharf

Working with the top professionals in the Hospitality and Foodservice world throughout

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Banqueting Lancaster Hotel, London Edinburgh International Conference Centre Guildhall, London

Europe, the Middle East and Africa, has afforded the company the opportunity to develop designs for the best concepts and practices and to utilise emerging equipment technologies.

Humble Arnold’s Clients appreciate the consideration they give to functionality, workflows, aesthetics and labour utilisation when detailing our layouts.

Testimonials Here are just a few of the many compliments that have been paid to Humble Arnold...

“I find a large percentage of kitchen designers really don’t have much idea, but Stephen is very professional, is open to feedback and I enjoyed working with him.”

Paul Downing, Marriott International “The kitchen looks superb and might well be one of the best Indian Restaurant kitchens in the

entire London region.”

Cyrus Todiwala OBE, Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen “Regulations and best practices are ever changing, and Humble Arnold Associates provide a very effective mentoring service.”

Alison Stanton, Carluccios “I have very much appreciated working with Humble Arnold Associates and the results of your labours speak for themselves.”

Jenny Noon, IPC Media “Providing innovative, yet practical designs

delivered with a high degree of professionalism.

I have, and will continue to, highly recommend Humble Arnold Associates.”

Graeme Dick, Standard Life “Innovative and efficient with an outstanding delivery.”

Jeremy Lindley, Tesco Stores Limited Telephone: +44(0)1438 821444 Email: enquiries@humblearnold.com Web: www.humblearnold.com GS Magazine 39

Inara Interiors A

fter graduating with a degree in Interior Architecture from the University of Brighton, Dawn Pirie gained valuable experience in her first designing role at the upmarket bathroom firm Ripples. In 2011 Dawn decided to branch out and set up her own design business, Inara Interiors. Her high end firm caters for a wide range of clients and her design portfolio includes residential properties, hospitality venues and large commercial projects. She has a strong client base and her friendly and professional approach has enabled her to form lasting business connections. Dawn’s style, expertise and flair for tailoring a design to a customer’s needs has ensured these connections extend beyond the initial project she is commissioned for, with many clients continuing to use Dawn as their designer of choice in future projects.

Inara Interiors offers a range of design services for residential and commercial projects.

The company works closely with contractors, architects and private clients to tailor the design and finish to each individual’s function and style prerogatives. Inara Interiors appreciates that each project is different and the company is therefore available to work either on an ad hoc basis or can oversee a project through from conception to completion. The firm takes 40 GS Magazine

pride in its professionalism and approachability and endeavours to provide a high quality and effortless design process for every client.

Using experience and creativity, Inara Interiors strives to create timeless and beautiful spaces that are both practical and reflect the ethos of the studio and the client’s briefs.

Dawn’s first design project was the exclusive boutique hotel Sands on the Margate seafront. Its decor has been highly commended by guests and has received excellent reviews in a variety of newspapers and magazines since opening in 2013. Inara Interiors worked closely with Cardy Construction, Giarti Architects, Lighting Force and Ripples Tunbridge Wells to create a contemporary and luxurious hotel overlooking one of Kent’s most stunning beaches. Following Sands’ highly successful reception, Inara Interiors has been commissioned to design a function room for the hotel.

The beautiful textures and palettes of Sands will inspire the decor of the multifunctional event space that will be used to hold wedding and conferences. The hotel exemplifies Dawn’s style as a designer and it is a credit to her natural flair for interiors that the first project she undertook as a freelancer has achieved such acclaim.

Inara Interiors has also undertaken the

refurbishment of the en suites in another boutique hotel, Drakes of Brighton. This project required specialist knowledge of bathroom design so as to maximise the aesthetic potential of the compact and tired bathrooms. Dawn worked through different ideas to ensure full use was made of the available space and managed the design and installation o!f the project from conception through to completion.

If you would like any additional information then please don’t hesitate to get in contact. www.inara-interiors.co.uk Tel: 07970604377 Email: info@inara-interiors.co.uk

GS Magazine 41

Purcell

Ballyfin

Architects, Heritage Consultants and Conservation Experts aring for historic buildings and places for over 65 years, Purcell is an awardwinning architectural practice with regional studios covering the UK and Asia Pacific.

The company design inspiring buildings in some of the UK’s most desirable and ecologically important locations. Leading refurbishment and extension projects to listed properties or designing new hotels within sensitive contexts such as conservation areas and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Purcell is the architect of choice for clients looking for quality service and sustainable design.

Their dedicated project team is assigned to work with clients through every stage of a project, from the initial brief to on-site construction. They take an informed approach for all their projects by analysing the condition, historic significance and context of a building or site and agree clear and realistic objectives from the outset. In addition to cost-neutral passive engineering, they also value-engineer active measures to deliver a realistic payback so that you can set a reasonable budget for environmental systems.

Their designers create vibrant, well-designed spaces, tailored to their client aspirations and user’s needs. All their design work for heritage

C

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hotels, eco hotels, spas, conference centres, resorts and clubs are bespoke. To help realise their client’s vision, Purcell collaborate with leading interior and interpretation designers, landscape architects and craftspeople to deliver high quality facilities with minimal environmental impact.

No matter the size, location or budget of a project, Purcell has the experience and passion to produce inspirational and sustainable architecture with our exemplary service.

Contact: +44 (0)20 7397 7171 www.purcelluk.com

Coworth Park Spa

International Hotel & Property Awards 2014 Two of Purcell’s most prestigious hotel schemes are shortlisted for International Hotel & Property Awards 2014. Coworth Park Spa in Surrey is in the running for ‘Spa Hotel’ and ‘Hotel Design Award – Europe’ awards and Ballyfin in County Laois, Ireland is shortlisted for best ‘Hotel under 50 rooms’ and ‘Hotel Suite’. Here is a snapshot of these two exemplary hospitality schemes.

Coworth Park Spa Submerged within the Surrey Green Belt landscape, Coworth Park Spa is an award-winning eco-luxury spa that is part of Dorchester Collection. Purcell’s pioneering design has all of the sophistication and comfort expected of a 5* hotel spa, but with a sustainable conscience.

Coworth is the world’s first spa to be built from carbon negative lime hemp walling with a predominantly timber structure. The timber glulam monocoque beam structure has only 4% embedded carbon comparative to steel. A biomass boiler and ground water heat transfer system meet 50% of the spa’s energy demands at 33% below CO2 Target Emission Rate.

Awareness of the natural environment is carried throughout the building. From its distinctive green roof through to its sumptuous interiors, all the materials used are natural and organic. Large expanses of sliding glazed walling maximise the natural light within the building and connect

the interior with the surrounding parkland. Art and sculpture have been used to offset the crisp, contemporary architecture.

Ballyfin

Ballyfin Ireland’s finest Neo-classical house, Ballyfin was transformed through conservation and repair into an exquisite country house hotel.

Purcell’s sympathetic restoration has created a comfortable and stylish hotel, with layers of history to be unravelled and enjoyed. Each of the 14 bedrooms is individually decorated to respect the eclectic nature of the Irish country interior.

Ground floor reception rooms are tastefully styled with reproduction Empire or Regency textiles the wallpapers of several rooms feature carefully researched Mauny designs. Historic features including painted marble columns, decorative wood floors, mahogany doors and entrance hall roman mosaics are now fully restored.

Through careful repair work and adaptation, the hotel now provides fine dining and bar facilities, wine cellars, a large library, ballroom, swimming pool and spa. Set within a 600 acre park, many of the estate’s architectural features have been restored for the use of guests including a classical temple, grotto and observatory tower.

Both hotels have already received numerous design and conservation awards. The International Hotel & Property Award winners will be announced on Friday 20th June.

Coworth Park Spa

GS Magazine 43

Raw Design S

et up by Matt Rawlinson in 1994 Raw Design is an individual creative practice specializing in the design of successful award winning contemporary social environments. These include cutting edge bar, restaurant and nightclub design, country pub, country house estates, boutique hotels, varied retail spaces and corporate headquarters.

Raw Design’s highly creative approach produces high impact interiors to a wide variety of budgets.

To give an idea of the scope of work Raw undertake, it is useful to look at a few recent case studies.

Fleet Street Kitchen is sited in a modern build apartment block on the ground and basement floors in the city centre of Birmingham UK. The ground floor is accessed via a small entrance and opens out onto a canal side terrace. The building suffered from a lack of natural light, modern uninspiring grey windows and lack of any features.

Town and Country Inns contracted Raw 44 GS Magazine

Design to produce a contemporary friendly restaurant and bar space to the ground floor with a late night live venue to the basement level.

The restaurant was to champion locally sourced products and a chargrill menu and this needed to be reflected in the interior design.

Raw opened the facades bringing natural light into the space. They also created long seating dining benches with internally illuminated lattice ceilings to dramatically transform the interior from day to night. The resulting scheme is an extremely popular light bright space with informal dining and an edgy underground club.

Raw have been commissioned to design a number of country pubs with rooms for Cirrus Inns. The Kings Arms for example is an 18th century coaching Inn near Badminton that consists of a main locals bar, an informal restaurant and a private dining room. There are also 10 bedrooms and cottages all in individual styles. The pub suffered from a previous bland corporate makeover and Raw set about working with the existing historic building

to create a warm traditional space punctuated with contemporary elements. These include large photo print murals to the restaurant and bedrooms and graffiti style street art hand painted in the locals bar.

The White Horse, again a country pub with rooms, is a similar project. The previous incarnation was that of a fish restaurant that had stripped the building of any intimacy. Raw reworked the spaces, dividing the building to create informal snug dining spaces, a country pub and a dramatic private dining room. The 27 bedrooms all have differing themes based on Goodwood nearby.

Raw have just opened Earlham Street Clubhouse in Covent Garden, a funky American retro cocktail bar and pizza restaurant. The rapid turnaround scheme, completed in just three weeks, uses 90% recycled materials and plays on a ‘frat pack clubhouse’ theme with huge American signs and bric a brac items including recycled fairground lights and an old jukebox. The bar, shown on page 11 of this issue, recently featured

as Time Out magazine’s bar of the week and is packing in locals and tourists in Seven Dials.

Current projects include the 200 cover restaurant called Hucks in the new Center Parcs development in Woburn, which is due to open to the public in June, and work is underway at the Punch Bowl in Mayfair for Guy Richie.

Raw are remodelling Middlethorpe Manor, a large 18th century country house in York and have been asked to redesign the Mechu Nightclub and Apres bars in Cheltenham and Birmingham.

Raw have a varied client list of independent operators, corporate clients and private individuals.

Their client list includes: Center Parcs, Ballymore, A4e, Palmer Hargreaves, Pernod Ricard, Gatecrasher, Town and Country Inns, Whitbread, Luminar Leisure, Mitchells and Butler and Thornbridge Brewery.

Telephone: +44 (0)1242 227342 www.raw-design.com Email: design@matthewrawlinson.co.uk GS Magazine 45

ZMMA Hospitality and Art

M

ore and more of the design commissions at ZMMA are gallery and museum projects.

The ZMMA team provides the architectural design for new-build and for the remodelling of existing and historic buildings, together with the interior and display design for exhibiting important national art collections. In bringing these skills together, ZMMA creates rich and atmospheric places for the enjoyment of art.

The practice’s hospitality projects have always been underpinned by the same preoccupations that also make the best places for the display of art – light, atmosphere and a rich and inventive palette of materials. These are all brought together to make settings for becoming absorbed in art, just as in food, conversation or celebration.

An essential element in all ZMMA’s work is the quality and modelling of natural and artificial lighting. Just as the greatest gallery spaces depend on ingeniously composed and modulated lighting, the best restaurants and hotels use changing lighting conditions through the day, night and the seasons to bring life to its interiors.

Most importantly, for ZMMA, bringing art into spaces is never merely about ‘dressing’ the place, nor cultural bling. In all of its gallery projects ZMMA works together with 46 GS Magazine

curators to develop a design where the art, the architecture and the interiors become a coherent combination, each bringing out the best in the other.

The spatial, material and lighting decisions are influenced by how the art itself will contribute to the atmosphere. The qualities of subject, colour, form, texture and materials of artefacts are used to infuse the place with personality, character and identity. Importantly ZMMA’s design work explores the cross-over between gallery and hospitality design, making places that are comfortable and glamorous, and where guests feel indulged and enriched.

ZMMA’s gallery projects are as influenced by restaurant and hotel designs, just as its hospitality spaces by galleries.

Director, Adam Zombory-Moldovan says; “Enjoying space where visual art, food and hospitality are brought together through carefully-wrought design is one of life’s key pleasures.”

ZMMA is currently working on diverse gallery and museum projects including the sumptuous and stylish new European Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical galleries at the V&A in South Kensington, opening later this year.

The practice is also working on substantial new buildings and interventions at two historic medieval castle sites to provide exhibition spaces along with restaurants and cafes.

Elsewhere, ZMMA is designing spaces for separate collections of Thomas Gainsborough, William Heath Robinson and the great Victorian symbolist painter, GF Watts, in three distinctive public gallery projects. A project at Petworth for a new temporary exhibitions gallery includes a new restaurant/café for the historic site.

Many of its gallery spaces are, in turn, used for hospitality and special events and this experience – making galleries that function as well for events as they do for display – has rubbed-off on the practice’s approach to restaurant and hotel design.

Watching how visitors at gallery private views and functions enjoy the indulgence has led to ZMMA to instigate the incorporation of art in many of its hospitality projects, from Feng Sushi, through Christopher’s, Gilmour’s, Raoul’s and Sotheby’s Café to the tea rooms at Watts Gallery, Surrey to name a few. www.zmma.com Adam can be contacted on adam@zmma.com

ZMMA Director Adam Zombory-Moldovan is speaking at Hotelympia 2014 on the subject of displaying and presenting art in hospitality settings. He will be sharing his experience of art gallery design to help clients and designers get the most out of even modest investment in art for any project. Adam is speaking at 2pm on Wednesday April 30th in the Design Seminar Theatre.

GS Magazine 47

Grapes Design

The Dorchester

G

rapes Design started life 18 years ago and are a consultancy that specialises in commercial interior design and architecture within the leisure, hospitality & retail market. Experiencing projects from new construction and redevelopment of major hotels, shopping centres to award winning restaurants, nightclubs and bars. Undertaking the creation of future trends and initial concept schemes to fully completed operational sites.

Grapes Design are committed to, and place particular emphasis upon, working closely with both the client and the nominated contractors representatives at all stages of a project.

PROJECT 1 - The Dorchester - Park Lane The Dorchester - Penthouses Grapes Design worked in partnership with Vivid Interior Contractors to assist in the design implementation. Three luxury ‘roof suites’, consisting of a sitting room, cocktail bar, study, dressing rooms, en-suite master bathroom and an outside terrace.

Unique features, such as a bathroom that links directly to the terrace, a master bedroom that extends into a private conservatory and windows in the bathroom that can be made either opaque or clear for privacy or views onto the private terrace. All overlooking Hyde Park with views towards Knightsbridge.

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Pandora

PROJECT 2 – Pandora Flagship Store Oxford Street UK flagship - Pandora opens the doors to its largest global store of its 900 worldwide sites.

Designed by Grapes Design, it features a stunning sculptured ceiling and ten metre handfinished polished aluminum bar.

The first floor of the store will be used for entertaining and features a bar, which will

be used for VIP events, press gatherings and celebrity appointments.

“London is the fashion capital of the world and our flagship store on Oxford Street will amplify our position in the market as a leading jewellery brand. Grapes Design encapsulated the essence of ‘Pandora’ in this beautiful flagship” said Peter Andersen, President for Pandora Western Europe.

PROJECT 3 - Bittersweet – Kingly Court – Soho Formally the infamous Pinstripe Club, which played host to Oliver Reed, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. It was also the club where John Profumo met Christine Keeler, sparking the ‘Profumo Scandal’ that led to the Pinstripe closing down. Grapes Design set themselves the objective to put back the former soul of the venue to enrich the experience when visiting such an unique environment.

Exquisite detail, stylized materials & bespoke textures, create the illusion of an exclusive member club. The vaulted entrance has a urbanistic quality with rustic metallic tiling, copper light fittings and the stunning bronze sculptured vault, washed with LED and it frames the final threshold to the main lounge space. A bespoke illuminated artwork forms the main focus reflecting in the polished porcelain tiles.

Two arched entrances lead into chic private vaults, each has its own exclusive furniture and intimate lighting.

Aluminum laser-cut screens define the lounge and main bar area. A new illuminated bar with a glass tiered bottle display, unique in design as each bottle is placed on its light source, casting an effect onto the curved polished plaster lining the vaulted ceiling.

PROJECT 4 - Dirty Martini - Bishopsgate The City’s newest late night, premium cocktail bar. Conveniently located in Bishopsgate, Dirty

Dirty Martini

Martini is within walking distance of both Liverpool Street and Old Street tube stations.

Grapes Design set a president with the design of their infamous – Dirty Martini – Hanover Square.

The challenge was to take the concept to the City. “We felt there was a serious gap in the market. In my view there’s not a professional cocktail venue that’s now accessible for the City and our aim was to take the accents of the original ‘Dirty Martini’ but give it a subtle twist.” says Director, Darren Grapes.

Stylized furniture in mauve & turquoise accents punctuate the entire venue, all designed with a sense of purpose, from the petite elegant club chairs to the high back parlour loungers.

Beautiful hand-made hexagonal screens separate the various private areas and bespoke bronze shimmer beams form layers washed with amber LEDs. Telephone: +44 (0)20 7613 5250 darren@grapesdesign.com www.grapesdesign.com

Bittersweet

GS Magazine 49

AVIVO LIGHTING

is a design company who create and manufacturer their own beautiful designs of decorative lighting using the latest LED technology wherever possible.

AVIVO offer a bespoke service manufacturing clients’ designs from concept to reality, as well as distributing their own designs from stock.

They have recently launched their new Chelsea Harbour Design Centre showcase, which includes the delightful Bubbles range of chandeliers. The elegant solid glass balls are handmade and injected with random air bubbles that shimmer and sparkle as the light reflects through them.

The standard range includes several sizes of chandeliers, from 1-light to 26-light pendants, all fully height adjustable, which are supplied with 1.5W G4 LED lamps.

The range in stock has polished chrome metalwork with clear glass balls, but models can also be manufactured bespoke to any size and finish, with coloured glass balls such as smoked grey and, our favourite, champagne!

Also shown are their Halo and Snow White designs, which again are available in many different sizes and included in the Chelsea Harbour showcase. See AVIVO’s feature chandelier at this year’s Hotelympia.

For any enquiries or further information about AVIVO LIGHTING, please contact chdc@avivolighting.co.uk or telephone 01865 245931.

Craftwood in 70’s Revival UK designer Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio recently appointed Craftwood to supply custom designed banquette seating to this new venue by restaurateurs Fabienne and Philippe Amzalak – aptly named Eclectic.

The focal circular booths in centre stage, upholstered in a dusky pink mohair, are surrounded by hexagonal walls and cappings also supplied by Craftwood, adding to the recurring use of geometric shapes within the restaurant.

Leather banquettes incorporate a head roll and matching fluted detail on the seats adding a sophisticated elegance.… a long curving bench providing views of the river Seine through full-height windows. The leather covers are a mix of striking blue and soft watermelon colours.

Craftwood worked closely with Design Research Studio throughout the whole process; the seating playing a strong role in the stunning venue.

Tel: +44 (0)1953 854 009 www.craftwood-uk.com www.tomdixon.net/designresearchstudio www.restauranteclectic.fr

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Light your imagination with Chantelle Lighting’s new District range To celebrate its 25th year in business, bespoke lighting designer and manufacturer Chantelle Lighting has launched a new range inspired by the 19th and 20th century architecture of New York’s industrial buildings.

Rustic, vintage, industrial inspired lighting is a popular choice among designers and the District range of seven contemporary lights, each available in seven different colours, will inspire the industrial themed interiors of a wide range of commercial design projects.

The Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Yonkers, Staten,

Newark and Queens lights each have their own distinctive design features but all bring a taste of industrial architecture to design projects.

Highlights of the range include the tall Manhattan pendant which is typical of the themes seen in Manhattan’s chic bars and restaurants and the elongated Queens pendant which is reminiscent of urban bars and restaurants in the commercial area of Queens.

The seven lights look stunning alone or as part of a set and with the choice of jet green, petrol blue, chocolate, honey, smoke, washed out red and wine

coloured glass frames to choose from, there is a shape and colour to match all design projects.

Chantelle Lighting Managing Director, Anthony Holly said: “Our skilled team of artisan craftsmen and women have shown an exceptional talent for interpreting the sketches of the country’s leading designers over the past 25 years, but we felt that now was the right time to design and manufacture a range of our own which complements our bespoke pieces.”

Tel: +44 (0)1282 877877 www.chantellelighting.co.uk

GS Magazine 51

Linsar is an independent British TV and

Domestic Appliances company based in Poole, Dorset. Established in 2006, Linsar set out to deliver a brand to the Independent retailers and department stores across the U.K that they could call their own, including John Lewis. Linsar achieved this by providing products that are designed specifically by them, packed full of user-friendly features and are simple to use. Linsar products are backed by their Free 5 Year Domestic & 3 Year Commercial Guarantee to offer total peace of mind.

As an independent British company, Linsar want to support the British Hospitality industry further and they have recently been recommended, enabling them to become a Sponsored Partner of ASAP (Association of Serviced Apartment Providers).

It is clear that Linsar not only have great reliable products, but they have great support as everything and everyone is one phone call away in Poole, Dorset.

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All TV’s from 22” up to 50” are SMART, USB pause/ record, hotel mode, Freeview HD. Linsar also have basic Freeview TV’s from 20” available. In fact, their 22” TV/ DVD, smart, USB pause/record, 1080P, Freeview HD recently won a Which? Best Buy which is great news for Linsar as their TV/DVD combi’s have the same mechanics as their non DVD Edge lit smart sets.

At the other end of the spectrum Linsar are bringing out a range of TV’s in May 2014 totally unique to the European market which are very

impressive, the Linsar Echo. These are currently in 32”, 42” and 50” – 4k ultra HD, dual HD tuners, SMART, with Freeview HD, the 32” is 1080p. Linsar Echo enables users to easily and wirelessly view their tablet/smartphone content on their Echo TV – it quite literally Echo’s anything that is on your tablet/smart phone – has to be running 4.2 jellybean and above which is nearly all new Android devices.

Not only does this company have great reliable innovative products, they are also gaining some impressive partnerships, one being 20th Century Fox. They joined forces for the launch of The Wolverine in November 2013 and have exciting plans for 2014.

This is definitely the time to get behind all things British!

For more information contact Paul Reynolds, the Linsar Business Development Manager on Paul. reynolds@linsar.com or ask for him on 0845 555 1101. Visit: www.linsar.com

Northmace & Hendon launch the Valette Hotel Safety Ironing Centre Whilst a lot has changed since Northmace & Hendon invented the first Hotel Ironing Centre, their steadfast commitment to enhancing the experience of your guests can be found in the latest addition to their range, the Valette Hotel Safety Dry Ironing Centre.

Said John Hurst, Managing Director of Northmace & Hendon, “This product is already meeting hotel and guest approval around the world. The design means the ironing centre is stylish and guestintuitive, whilst ensuring that it provides hoteliers with a safe, unobtrusive, easy to store and long lasting solution.”

Its space saving design is complimented by a quality steel build for long life which is backed up by a 3 year guarantee.

Additionally, an aspect of this ironing

centre that will be valued by hoteliers is the specially designed anti-theft feature securing the iron to the board thus ensuring that the iron stays in the hotel bedroom.

The Hotel Safety Dry Iron, which comes as part of the ironing centre, has an integral safety timer ensuring the iron automatically switches off when left horizontal for 30 seconds or left vertical for 8 minutes – a must for any professional hotelier. In addition, the Non-stick “easy glide” stainless steel sole plate ensures a wonderful ironing experience for the guest.

Northmace & Hendon, London, UK, www.northmace.com sales@northmace.com Tel: +44 (0) 29 2081 5200

CDS HÖVER CDS HÖVER is the UK’s only in-situ curtain cleaner, offering hotels, bars and restaurants a way to have fabrics cleaned on site within an hour.

Not only is it a fast and non-disruptive service that negates the need to close rooms overnight or send curtains away, CDS HÖVER provides a deep clean that is more thorough than steam or dry cleaning and removes difficult stains, germs, dust and dust mites.

Although strong, it is gentle enough to clean a range of fabrics from cotton to velvet and the company even offers a full carpet and upholstery cleaning service package.

Brad Hurter, CEO of HÖVER’s parent company CDS Group Services Ltd, says: “HÖVER is valued by our customers because it is efficient, it can save money and the quality and depth of clean is second to none.”

For a bespoke quote or further information, call 0800 9529136, email hoverinfo@cdsgroup.uk.com or visit www.hover.uk.com

Sunflower Music, founded in 2000 is the unique brainchild of owner and Managing Director, Paul Dimmock.

The company was set up specifically to provide tailored music playlists to enhance the brand image and target customer of businesses and maximise market potential within the hospitality industry. The tailored playlists are unique to each individual brand that we work with. Playlists are compiled to suit all areas of the business including reception areas, restaurants, bars, spas and gym and retail outlets with each playlist reflecting the different moods across the day and week.

Having developed an exceptional understanding of the influence that music has, Sunflower Music gives each client an explanation for every selected track, which then forms a bespoke playlist for an individual brand. This music selection intensifies the experience of every guest, whilst subtly but significantly raising customer satisfaction levels.

Sunflower’s success is due to Paul’s vast experience gained in the music industry. The concept was born in the 80s when he was a successful DJ in leading nightclubs.

He appeared as a DJ for Take That, Noel Gallagher, Amy Winehouse and Paul Weller amongst others. Over many years, he studied the relationship between music played and people’s resulting behaviour. Crucially he demonstrated the dramatic effect music had on atmosphere and spending patterns of customers.

14 years on, Sunflower Music has a proven track record in supplying tailored music solutions for hotels, restaurants, bars, spas and retail businesses. Clients include Virgin Atlantic, Lacoste, British Airways, Corinthia Hotels, The Ritz Club, Handpicked Hotels and Luxury Family Hotels. Sunflower will be at Hotelympia 2014.

Visit: www.sunflowermusic.co.uk

GS Magazine 53

DAVID SALISBURY CONSERVATORIES

F

ounded in 1984, David Salisbury Conservatories has manufactured over 8,000 hardwood and oak framed building.

This first in a series of four articles marks the launch of its new commercial division. Designed to work at all levels, David Salisbury is now able to offer a range of new services to address the needs of hospitality establishments and specialist architects.

The company has seen a significant increase in demand for products ranging from traditional buildings such as Orangery and Conservatory restaurants, swimming pool enclosures, greenhouses, and garden rooms, to more contemporary and bespoke buildings and roof designs such as high atriums and domed glass roofs.

Hoteliers who have invested in a David Salisbury product say they have seen both incremental revenue increases resulting from a higher capacity and a growing number of bookings for private parties and corporate events, based on their enhanced destination appeal.

David Salisbury succeed in making the whole process from commissioning one of their beautiful buildings, to handover of the finished project as straight forward and pleasurable an experience as possible. An initial (no obligation) consultation will be arranged to comprehend business requirements, understand budgets and to gain insight into design aspirations you hold. Using a fusion of the latest technology together with images of your building, your unique vision is translated into 3D colour impressions. These are presented to you on a return visit, together with a project management summary

54 GS Magazine

and investment proposals for your consideration.

The company also produce full architectural design plans, working drawing and a planning service to obtain all the necessary planning permissions.

Once a project is approved, the components for your bespoke building are engineered to millimetre precision and painted to your chosen colour. Each component is numbered for ease of construction and arrives on site in protective packaging; this allows for accurate and prompt assembly on site using David Salisbury’s unique and seamless construction system.

The company is highly committed to

sustainability and strives to minimise its carbon footprint through the materials and resources used to manufacture and distribute its products. All wood is sourced through FSC registered suppliers and currently 25% of all electricity used to power the factory is generated by a series of solar panels installed on the factory roof. This aspect of green energy production is under constant review and is an ongoing investment and checked for its optimal scale and effectiveness. In the winter months, 100% of the heat required by the factory and offices is provided by the company’s “bio-mass” boiler, using off cuts of wood and shavings from production that would otherwise be discarded.

To make an enquiry call David Salisbury Commercial on 01278 764446, email commercial@davidsalisbury.com or visit www.davidsalisbury.com

01278 764446 commercial@davidsalisbury.com www.davidsalisbury.com

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E 4 IN 01 EL Y 2 AT A D M G 1 N — RI IL SP APR 28

DISCOVER THE HEARTBEAT OF DESIGN IN HOSPITALITY

At Hotelympia meet 100s of exhibitors displaying the widest range of cutting-edge design products and ideas to benefit your business.

In 2014 the event presents a new spring dateline, the Hotelympia Design Award, and a dedicated design theatre programme to make Hotelympia a must attend event for any designer or architect in hospitality.

REGISTER AT HOTELYMPIA.COM/GS

Image: ME London