William IV Bar and Restaurant
William IV Bar and Restaurant originally opened in the late nineties. Located in a beautiful period building in the up-and-coming Kensal Town area, which is littered with cute cafes and independent vintage shops, the down to earth local pre-dated the gastro pub revolution. The bar and restaurant offered an excellent wine list, delicious tapas and charming service.
In August 2009 William IV owner, Brian O’Driscoll, B3 Designers about the interior design of William IV which had been described as ‘rough around the edges’. We saw a fantastic opportunity to work with the fabric of the period building to create a design that would further compliment William IV. Although the pub was in need of refurbishment, the wood panelling, the bar front and some of the original features were in good condition. We were able to incorporate these unique aspects of the building into their design concept. The fireplaces are an example of this; these were clad in mosaic tiles. When we explored removing the tiles we discovered the original red brick underneath was in good condition. The exposed red brick adds a layer of personality, allowing the structure itself to inform the design process.
It is the little details that make William IV a one of a kind place. We have complimented the vintage vibe by sourcing salvaged, classic furniture and re-upholstering it to give it a second life. Character can be found in every corner of William IV; long classically English chesterfields in medici green and antique leather sprawl across the edges of rooms while cliques of individual vintage chairs gather to make this a living space. Metal cloche lights rhythmically run across the bar bringing pools of lights onto the marble bar tops.
The blue room, renamed blue blood, is reminiscent of royalty in more than just name. An eclectic mix of Queen Anne chairs and classic English Ercols mingle in this grandiose enclave. The Ercol chairs have been re-sprayed to compliment the colour of the room.
The simplicity of the wallpapered dining room on the ground floor creates a tranquil atmosphere for diners. Bay windows allow diners garden views. Sprayed cast iron table bases are complimented with new marble tops. New Bentwood chairs have been upholstered with mohair-velvet fabric. The serene ambience is matched by porcelain lights hanging over the bar top.
The sizable back garden seating area had long been a key factor to William IV’s allure, so we added to this with reclaimed, French furniture. Intricate metal work decorates table and chair frames, while zinc table tops and distressed colourful chair bases add a sense of endearing playfulness. Photinia and other shrubs surround the front of William IV, giving the front exterior a sense of privacy.
B3 Design Director, Mark Bithrey, said,
‘William IV was already great space in cool part of London; we were able to enhance underused details in the fabric of the building itself and compliment this with classic furniture pieces.’
For an initial consultation and advice on designing a restaurant contact the B3 creative team.
| William IV, London | | | www.williamivlondon.com/ |