A private bar and lounge in Tokyo and an upscale restaurant in Shenzhen were among the big winners at this year’s Restaurant and Bar Design Awards. Ola Bednarczuk reports from London
September 13th, 2013
In the competitive world of hospitality, bars and restaurants need to stand out from the crowd – and as customers become ever more discerning when it comes to their drinking and dining experience, outstanding interior design is often the deciding factor in that experience being either memorable or forgettable.
Overall winner, Best Restaurant category – Höst (Denmark) by Norm Architects
In the winning projects at this year’s Restaurant and Bar Design Awards, the focus was on innovative materials and a clever use of colour and texture to create ambience and personality. Copenhagen’s Höst, which won Danish firm Norm Architects the overall award for best restaurant, combines a stripped-back mostly white interior with warm rustic timbers and shades of grey, black and blue, creating a subtle city-meets-country, old-meets-new atmosphere. Atrium Champagne Bar, designed byFoster and Partners for London’s ME Hotel and the overall winner in the Bar category, uses white marble surfaces, contrasting colours and an eye-catching lighting display to create a feeling of contemporary luxury.
Overall winner, Best Bar category – Atrium Champagne Bar (UK) by Foster and Partners
Atrium Champagne Bar (UK)
Shenzhen’s The Feast, designed by Neri & Hu and the winner in this year’s Lighting category, features a multitude of custom glass pendant lights that dot the interior like a starry night sky. Described by the judging panel as “elegant and whimsical”, its contemporary edge is softened with a clever use of material and lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Lighting category winner – The Feast (China) by Neri & Hu
The Feast (China)
Much like The Feast, Shyo Ryu Ken in Tokyo uses warm timber and subtle lighting to soften the effect of its strong lines and geometries. “I’m not so much into minimalism, but this one is very successful,” said Awards judge Mourad Mazouz of the interior. “It’s young and warm for a canteen; the roofs above the booths give you the feeling of being in your own personal space, while still being with others.” The design won STILE the award for best Asian restaurant interior.
Best Asian Restaurant Interior – Shyo Ryu Ken (Japan) by STILE
Shyo Ryu Ken (Japan)
Cronus, a private bar and lounge in Tokyo designed by Doyle Collection, was awarded best Asian bar. Described by the judging panel as “dramatic and contrasting”, its dark, moody interior in mahogany, violet and black is punctuated with Swarovski crystal chandeliers and gold accents. The most unabashedly opulent of this year’s winners, Cronus creates a sophisticated atmosphere through materials that evoke a traditional idea of luxury.
Best Asian Bar – Cronus (Japan) by Doyle Collection
Cronus (Japan)
For the full list of this year’s shortlisted entries and winners, visit the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards website.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Journey alongside Australian designer Ross Didier as he introduces a new chapter in the magical folklore of his iconic FABLE Collection.
Jeffrey Burnett hosted a breakfast talk on the B&B Italia Project Collection at Space.
Join us for a Herman Miller series that looks at how architects and designers use their most iconic designs to create beautiful and functional office spaces.
We are very proud to announce that Saturday Indesign 2020 is going ahead Saturday the 20th June, 2020!
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
This design for a combined workplace and cultural space in Beijing is sensitive to place, people and culture, all expertly executed by CUN DESIGN.
Lacquered in warm timber tones and complemented by high-quality furniture and fixtures, the new HQ for Salta Properties is a home away from home.