Le Square

“We will stop working from home to enjoy the restaurant”

Tenant. Cerberus

Le Square is the largest of the new restaurant spaces seating 260 diners. Previously sprawling, bland and institutional, the old dining space was defined by the clattering sounds of the canteen. We removed the random perimeter kitchens, reduced and subdivided the central space, and employed a palette of materials designed to appeal to the senses and absorb sound.

Our aim was to provide a sense of occasion and a degree of luxury - a moment to enjoy good food and conversation with colleagues in supportive surroundings. In such a large space, variety was essential to provide personal opportunity for a favourite corner or ‘usual table’. By zoning the space and grading the specification, we were able to work the budget to allow areas of rich and sensuous texture alongside simple, serviceable and inexpensive furniture and finishes. In all cases comfort was key.

We imposed an outer square, encasing columns in a deep wall punctured by regular openings to a series of new perimeter dining rooms and support functions. We used the four remaining columns to define an inner square with extrovert ceiling feature and 4-sided banquette identifying the social centre of the restaurant. Fixed banquettes and metal mesh screens further subdivide the large space, enabling ordered circulation routes and providing a sense of privacy without blocking views and light from the garden. Along with hard-wearing natural materials, ceramics and laminates, we used brass features and tactile fabrics in olive, gold and bottle green.