Babel- Best Bar Interior (standalone), Restaurant & Bar Design Awards 2008/2009

Babel bar based on Northcote Rd in London’s trendy and affluent Clapham, claimed the prize for Best Bar Interior in the standalone category at Restaurant and Bar Design Awards 2009.

The concept is based on the name ‘Babel’: the confusion of noise or languages.  B3 translated this into a confusion of visual styles. Using reclaimed objects and a mixture of styles from various eras, such as 1950s style furniture and a reclaimed nineteenth century bar B3 have created an eclectic interior.

Colourful, vintage style lamps hang from the ceiling.  Each lamp was either custom made or individually sourced; and some hang upside down, allowing each piece a sense of character.  Exposed cables add to the shabby chic ‘confusion’ theme.  The feature wall is made up of reclaimed letters, sourced from different salvage yards and Shelf in Shoreditch. Random words decorate the space like watermelon, planimetrically and exquisite.

The back bar walls are covered with hundreds of framed antique finish mirrors to reflect a kaleidoscopic impression of the space.  Soft seating, specifically designed for Babel, takes inspiration from 1950’s classic furniture. Poser tables are made up of decorative cast iron balustrade sections offset by the functional design of the Tolix stools. Outside seating area is enlivened by a selection of colourful Luxembourg chairs.