Inspiring Spaces - Restaurants 2021

Carlyle & Co by the Rosewood Hotel Group is technically a member’s club, but it houses plenty of day-to-night experiences including a restaurant, bar, wine cellar, music room, games room and more. It’s situated in the Victoria Dockside development of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour and designed by British interior and furniture designer Ilse Crawford. Colour and pattern reign supreme here, with a look and feel that’s as eclectic as the club’s worldly members. Murals by Jean-Philippe Delhomme and Christina Zimpel bring the walls to life and furniture is a combination of mid-century pieces such as sky-blue Zanotta armchairs and modern pieces including gorgeous handmade seats by Soane Britain covered in turquoise leather.

Set within a converted Georgian townhouse in Belgravia, British chef Tom Aiken’s 25-cover fine dining restaurant is evidence that good things come in small packages. The interior design scheme is inviting and intimate. Luxurious fabrics, marble surfaces and wood panelling are contrasted with eclectic and contemporary touches, such as bold floral displays of clashing red and hot pink orchids.

Situated in the former Abdallah Bustros Palace, the 19th century interiors of this Lebanese restaurant in Beirut are still regal and lavish, yet with a playful edge that prevents the place from feeling stuffy. A creamy palette is offset with bespoke wallpaper and Moorish style interior windows.

Sri Lankan dining goes back to basics in this Soho restaurant. The interior designers, Studio Fils and Whitebox London, combine aged brickwork, raw plasterwork and dark wood for stripped-back, Geoffrey Bawa-inspired vibes. Batik art by Sonali Dharmawardena and paper pendant lights also give a subtle nod to the island aesthetic.

This is the new outpost for Padella, which garnered a cult following since initially opening in Borough Market. The designers at DayStudio offset multicoloured marble surfaces against golden details and stripped-back walls. The signature open kitchen allows guests to watch the chefs make fresh Italian pasta while dining.

The interior designers behind Chiltern Firehouse, Studio KO, have injected “the sensuality and glamour of the 1960s and 70s” into the interiors of this Mediterranean eatery. Terrazzo flooring is softened up with patterned carpet and special attention has been given to the seating which is a combination of leather banquettes and blue velvet armchairs.