I’m a real believer in being seduced by your surroundings. If I like it, I LOVE it, and if it’s meh, I seriously DISLIKE it. I can’t help it; even though I try to curb my inclination to critique it is usually readily available, wanting to join the party. For me personally, when I go out to eat the environment in which I enjoy my food is as important as the food itself. {I’ve probably made all the foodies out there shake their heads in disbelief} That doesn’t mean that it has to be fancy or white table clothed, just considered. Restaurant design is important! The luxury steakhouse Beef Bar has restaurants in Monaco, Berlin and Mexico City. Emil Humbert and Christophe Poyet designed the spaces using geometry and symmetry while creating great focal points such as the lighting in bronze and alabaster, a tarnished metal bar and lots of matt black and shades of gold.
The above is in stark contrast to the grungy, punk fairground restaurant design from London-based design practice Shed for MEATLiquor, Brighton. There is no hiding from the patterns throughout this interior, the ceilings, pillars, floors and walls are blanketed in graphics all illuminated by the colourful neon, including a giant Sin sign. So wrong its right. Completely agreeing with my hypothesis that eating out should visually entice, my son had the best reaction upon entering MeatLiquor – complete and utter awe.
So what are your thoughts? Do you think eating out is just about the food on your plate? Or is restaurant design a big part of the experience?
To see more about restaurants visit here and here