Lanelay Hall’s BLOK restaurant in South Wales has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to the creative talents of SpaceInvader, an award-winning interior design agency. The redesign has taken the restaurant from underutilized to extraordinary, offering guests an immersive dining experience rooted in seasonal British cuisine. Let’s explore the architectural highlights of the project and how SpaceInvader revamped this historic space into a vibrant and modern culinary haven.
Open Kitchen and Contemporary Design
One of the standout features of the revamped BLOK restaurant is the open, theatrical kitchen that brings energy and interaction to the dining experience. Diners can enjoy a front-row seat to the culinary magic happening behind the scenes. This approach enhances the ambiance and allows guests to appreciate the chefs at work.
SpaceInvader successfully combined the restaurant’s classic elements, such as the listed Georgian oak paneling, with contemporary design elements to create a harmonious and dynamic atmosphere. By repainting the period ceiling in a warm cream hue and incorporating rich, textured wall treatments, the design team skillfully blended old and new.
Central Booth Area and Intimate Seating
A key architectural move in the redesign was the addition of a central, modular booth area in the main dining room. This 16-seater space introduces visual interest and intimacy to the restaurant, breaking up the identical rows of tables and creating a cozy, inviting environment. The booth seating features a timber frame, rust-colored upholstery, and sculptural planting that separates diners on either side.
This central feature not only enhances the overall spatial arrangement but also boosts available seating from 48 to 60 covers, providing a more flexible and welcoming layout.
Private Dining Space and Wine Display
SpaceInvader also focused on enhancing the private dining space, which can be seen from the hotel’s reception area. This section boasts a large oval table with a black quartz top, creating a sophisticated focal point. The addition of a new lighting feature and smaller tables set in the bay window allows for flexibility in accommodating overflow from the main restaurant during peak times.
A striking feature in the private dining area is the inclusion of glazed displays for wine and a meat-aging fridge. Guests can admire these displays both from within the dining room and from the restaurant’s exterior, providing an enticing glimpse into the culinary wonders on offer.
Lighting and Mood Creation
Carefully considered lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and creating an intimate atmosphere at BLOK. Chargeable lamps adorn all the tables, providing a flexible and easily moveable lighting option. This approach emphasizes a cozy ambiance at each table.
Additional lighting is provided by floor-standing lamps, including the Copenhagen SC14 from &Tradition, where needed to enhance the overall experience for diners. The thoughtful use of lighting contributes to the warm and inviting environment SpaceInvader aimed to achieve.
SpaceInvader’s transformation of BLOK restaurant at Lanelay Hall is a testament to their ability to blend historical charm with contemporary design. By focusing on open kitchens, intimate seating, and striking lighting, they have turned this once-underused space into a sought-after dining destination that offers a memorable experience for both hotel guests and local patrons.
