England’s first ever purpose built gym, now a grade II listed retrofit, serving Mittel-European inspired dishes; an iconic space with a stunning sky lit conservatory, serving eclectic Bombay and Indian cuisine and a restaurant interior inspired by the constant changing of the seasons, guided by one of the UK’s most mercurial chefs – the finalists in Hotelympia’s 2016 Design Award have been selected ahead of February’s glittering show.
The three frontrunners in Hotelympia’s search for the UK’s most impressively designed new or refurbished restaurant interior will be celebrated throughout the four day show, on a purpose built Awards’ Wall, an integral part of the Hotelympia Design Lounge situated at the heart of the exhibition.
The German Gymnasium (designed by Allies & Morrison and Conran & Partners), pays homage to its building’s sporting past with playful yet sophisticated references including a marble floor pattern, reminiscent of gymnasium floors, handrails and gold mesh screens inspired by Victorian fencing masks and loop motifs in the timber panelling which echo a recurring element of Victorian sports venues. Sensitively retaining historic details such as climbing hooks in the ceiling and cast steel columns, the building also boasts one of only two surviving laminated timber roofs in London which has become a celebrated feature of the scheme by re-introducing the mezzanine floor.
The Bombay Brasserie (designed by DesignLSM) recently reopened in autumn 2015 with a spacious and comfortable new design drawing upon the restaurant’s established heritage and emphasising its colonial style. Features include hand crafted, bespoke furniture from India and Portugal and artwork both original and commissioned from a renowned Indian artist for true authenticity.
Fera at Claridge’s (designed by Oliver Laws), although new, sits perfectly in harmony with the rest of the property. The glamourous art deco inspired details create a luxurious interior, yet the atmosphere is comfortable and inviting. The materials are both historic and contemporary – metalwork, marble, light fixtures, mirrors, and stained laylights are true to Claridge’s origins, but the sage and grey leathers, walnut tables, striated glass, calm grey walls, and abstract artwork are references to chef Simon Rogan’s connection to nature and Cumbria – an interior that ‘speaks to both past and present’ (Architectural Digest).
Toby Wand, Managing Director at Fresh Montgomery comments: “In unveiling our three finalists we are aligning these spaces with previous Hotelympia Design Award winners like The Mandarin Oriental and The London Edition, and they couldn’t be in more appropriate company. Each restaurant interior has its own unique style, yet what unites them all is a sense of true quality, elegance and design excellence – our esteemed panel of judges has one hell of a job ahead of them.”
Hotelympia’s 2016 Design Award judging panel features an array of respected names from across the industry including: President of the KLC School of Design, Jenny Gibbs; President Elect of the BIID, Susie Rumbold; Tina Norden, Head of Design for Conran + Partners; President of the SBID, Vanessa Brady OBE; Chairman of Hotelympia organiser, Fresh Montgomery, Christopher Newton and Stirling Johnstone, lead co-ordinating judge.
One overall winner will be crowned in a special Awards Ceremony taking place on The Stage at 4pm on Hotelympia’s opening day, Monday 29th February.
Visitors can pre-register for Hotelympia 2016 now by following this link: www.hotelympia.com/register
Companies seeking to find out how they can promote their business at Hotelympia 2016 and reach an audience of over 30,000 professionals can visit www.hotelympia.com, contact Andrew Pantelli on +44 (0)20 7886 3055 or email [email protected] to see how the new look Hotelympia can be the inspiration for their hospitality business in 2016.
