BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN & TAKING THE INSIDE OUT AT A BEAUTIFUL LAKESIDE DINING LOCATION

As a new unit situated at a busy retail and leisure park - Rushden Lakes, this PizzaExpress restaurant had many of the standard practical and budget-control requirements that you would expect to find in a brief from a successful and established international dining brand. What made this project exceptional was its location on a nature reserve, which offered stunning views of the lake. 

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The potential for amazing views across the lake was key to how the space would be carved. We sought inspiration from a range of sources: information on the nature reserve itself, paintings by fine artists, plus beautiful products new to the market.

To ensure that all dining areas inside this large space were attractive to customers, a view of the lake was maintained across the restaurant by keeping bespoke ceiling rafts high and linear, and screens low. We developed a colour palette to reflect the bright and airy feel of the environment, and added warmth and texture through our careful selection of materials.

Exclusive original artwork was created in-house for the scheme and played an important role in defining different zones in the restaurant. Sketches of native wildlife were developed and refined to become bespoke giant wallpapers at the rear of the restaurant,  providing a striking and distinctive backdrop for diners. These motifs are repeated as framed prints throughout the space, adding warmth and providing continuity.

The end result is a distinctive, welcoming and bright environment that fully celebrates its location. We were delighted to hear that the restaurant is trading well beyond expectations.

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