Darbys Restaurant, London

Reddy A+U has developed and delivered the prestigious restaurant for Darbys by the renowned Irish chef, Robin Gill. As part of the Embassy Gardens Phase 2, the restaurant followed the successful completion of building A04.

The interior is inspired by a 1950’s New York aesthetic and sits at Ground level beneath the iconic Skypool which in turn faces the American Embassy. The restaurant features a kitchen with open-fire cooking, an onsite bakery, and a central Oyster bar and grill surrounded with hanging foliage and a feature Crittal glass cold store at Mezzanine level. Ten storeys above, the restaurant links to the Marketing Suite and Skydeck pool, which also includes a poolside barbeque.

The concept interior design scheme and material specification were by created by Avroko. Reddy A + U developed the scheme for the 144 covers restaurant from RIBA Stage 4 to completion in Q1 2019.

In line with the 1950’s New York concept, the materials consist of exposed steel, concrete and warm woods complimented with muted colours and high-quality fabrics for the furniture.

The project includes an exposed ceiling with dropped baffles to address any acoustic issues, resulting in a calm and relaxing atmosphere, particularly important within a restaurant. The exposed mechanical and electrical services allowed easy access to services. With a careful balance of raw finishes and highly finished surfaces throughout, there is a pleasing balance of materials. Bespoke Crittal glazed partitions were used to create an integrated Cold Store at mezzanine level above the kitchen. As with any commercial space, the challenge was ensuring the project was finished and fully functioning within budget and to the programme, but especially for the opening party which was a high-profile celebrity attended event in May 2019.

Photography by James Balston Photography.