Babbo
The Client’s Brief
‘Babbo’ means ‘Dad’ in Italian and the name of this restaurant reflects the client’s brief: a traditional, Tuscan inspired Italian restaurant. As the location of Babbo is in London’s prestigious Mayfair, the interior design and food offer needed to be high end yet have the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of a family run restaurant.
Case Study: Design Challenges and Solutions
When asked to look at the project the site the client had acquired was previously a restaurant, however, it had not been successful. We investigated and saw that the space was badly laid out. Our initial endeavour was to help increase the amount of covers and use what facilities already existed in order to be cost effective. We were able to achieve this by exploring different layout options and sourcing slim furniture that would fit in the traditional, intimate aesthetic.
The staircase was a steel and glass structure, this was not suitable to the client’s brief, however, it would have been very expensive to take the existing staircase out and even more expensive to put a new staircase in. Our solution to this was to remove the glass elements of the staircase and strip it back to its structural core. Following this we introduced a new wooden balustrade, steps and handrail; these enhancements allowed the client’s vision of a rustic yet luxurious Tuscan inspired restaurant to begin to be realised. We also striped back the building to expose brickwork as this was very much inline with the client’s vision. Where we removed wall finishes a large gap was left adjacent to the staircase, we used this space to have a wine wall feature. In addition to this feature being in keeping with the client’s brief, the double height of the wine wall connected the mezzanine with the ground floor. We also reinstated the window at the rear of the restaurant and conveniently relocated the disabled washrooms, in keeping with both the aesthetic and building regulations.
Restaurant Design Results
Babbo restaurant’s interior combines classic European beauty and timelessness with warmth and abundance. Luxurious antique features meet exposed brickwork and natural, oiled oak cladding, which has been applied to the floor, stairs and bar front. Classic, French style tiles weave through the space, featuring around bar front and in the bathrooms. Antique chandeliers and French gilt framed mirrors add authentic charm to the restaurant, which is warmly lit. Wall lights and traditional lampshades are affixed to the earthy brickwork. Petite bentwood chairs, tables and banquette seating are used to maximise covers whilst retaining intimacy and elegance in the space, which is small and narrow. Wine walls feature as the staircase ascends and in the mezzanine area which is used for private functions. We collected black and white photographs of fathers with their children from friends and family of Babbo restaurant, as well as adding some photos of our own. The photographs, which capture intimate family moments, are framed on the wall, adding a nostalgic serenity to the space.
Babbo Dining Experience
Head Chef, Douglas Santi, who has worked and earned critical acclaim in some of the world’s best restaurant prepares signature dishes such as the Lasagne al Ragout di Chianini, passed on to him by his grandmother. Dishes are beautifully presented in a rustic fashion, reflecting the fresh ingredients of the food and the cosy atmosphere.
For an initial consultation and advice on designing a restaurant contact the B3 creative team.
| Babbo, London | | | www.babborestaurant.co.uk |