A restaurant which is built on grandeur and elegance, the Opera Grill in Chester is located inside a Grade II listed building – something which instantly impacted the way that our team could approach the restaurant interior design project. The Greek façade of the building played into a very traditional and opulent design, and so we decided to carry this through into the interior design but with more of a focus on industrial materials and finishes – all of which is bolstered and complimented by the live performances that breathe life into the theatrical and dramatic dishes.
So, how did we turn this Grade II listed building into a memorable dining experience?
With a lack of natural light available throughout the restaurant interior, one of the biggest focuses for this project was on injecting light into the space – something which we achieved through a combination of ceiling lights, table lamps, and candles for the more intimate dining settings and meals. The organised structure of the ceiling lights played into the industrial design, while the fittings which we selected for the restaurant bathrooms followed the industrial format with vintage style caged bulbs.
In terms of utilising the space available, we separated one bar from the restaurant with a partition behind mounted bench seats, while allowing the other 360 degree surround bar to take centre stage and become a part of the overall design of the space. The chair fabric we selected was deliberately a vibrant red/orange to draw attention and add some pop of colour to the surroundings, while the blended use of wood, exposed brick, and metal all tied into the modern industrial trend and created the surprising but authentic dining experience that guests would remember.
Every meal and event that is served and hosted at the Opera Grill embodies the performative vibe of the venue itself, and so the interior design project was designed around bringing that drama to life within the very setting of the restaurant. From the moment guests step into the Opera Grill, the aim is to surprise and delight them in one hit.
