Caramel Restaurant & Lounge, London

Caramel Restaurant & Lounge, London is now open at Brompton Road, which was previously the site of La Brasserie. Bishop Design‘s brief from the client was to create a dedicated venue in the city of London for showcasing an evolved design approach and brand identity to the existing Caramel group that would represent the brand ideology and sentiments. This fabulously located venue was to provide for at least 120 covers split between restaurant, bar and lounge areas; offering a variety of internationally-inspired food and beverages from dusk till dawn.

The interiors were to be sophisticated and stylish, inspired by an art deco era embracing dynamic finishes and a mix of natural materials such as copper, brass, natural marble and cementitious surfaces. Bespoke lighting features, simple yet exquisitely-styled furniture, relaxed and plush upholstery and bold styling that naturally complimented its site location and exemplified the natural evolution of the existing brand’s ethos were to be used to create a perfect equilibrium.

A design feature, in particular, is the beautifully bespoke bar – a unique feature that is visually dynamic, exquisitely crafted yet approachable that creates a natural engagement and focal point to the venue. It combines a unique array of material combinations of natural and man-made surfaces such as backlit alabaster, polished copper, black chrome and cold-rolled steel. In addition to the bar are hexagonal-fitted booths, intricately detailed and exuding an air of refined elegance that provides a perfect hideaway for the evening ahead.

There were many aspects of the venue’s interior that required specialists or artisans involvement, over and above the carefully-crafted interior finishes that the design demanded. Specific elements were the fluid resin floors, integrated stencil artworks produced by Senso to the ultimate masonry skills crafted to create the backlit alabaster bar surface and external signage; a true endorsement of a somewhat lost art. In addition, were the dynamic infinity-mirrored ceilings that adorn the horizontal surfaces within.

Challenges were the inherited infrastructure. It had a residential block attached to it. Not only the construction element but also creating a venue that was sympathetic to the residents – servicing, operations and acoustics played a major role. Managing the project from afar; keeping a constant eye on the construction and the consultants involved. Ensuring that products were compliant and the overall design intent was conveyed as per the design without compromise. Ensuring the integrity of the design was maintained.

But the ultimate challenge came in the creation of a brand that was respected for its Middle Eastern identity yet evolved for the culture and capital of London. Through the design styling, Bishop Design has remained sympathetic to Caramels renowned contemporary flair, but with a sleek and diverse twist to fit into the eclectic streets of London city. All of Caramels modern fittings and materials still remains decidedly old-school style and sympathetic to current trends yet also humbling to its immediate surroundings.