Idea
The bar and restaurant occupy a central position in the majestic internal courtyard of The Royal Exchange, but remain respectful of the 16th century building’s neoclassical architecture, with a structure that is proportioned to sit harmoniously within the vast internal atrium, whilst creating a sense of intimacy at human scale.
The central bar adopts a warm, textured material palette that complements the hues of The Royal Exchange’s dominant material, Portland stone. The bar takes additional cues from the delicate architectural details in Fortnum & Mason’s Piccadilly home, resulting in a contemporary interpretation of the original store’s historic frame structures, filigree latticework and English silverware. All of the metalwork and hand-blown glass detail within the island counter have been created in the Southeast of England, whilst the bespoke leather banquettes incorporate the Fortnum & Mason ‘eau de nil’ colour palette.
