Royal Academy Restaurant

Interior design practice, Design Research Studio, under the direction of Tom Dixon, have created the interior for the new restaurant at the Royal Academy of Arts. This is the latest project for renowned restaurateur Oliver Peyton of Peyton and Byrne. The 150 cover restaurant opened to the public 19th January 2011.

The 250 m2 refurbishment features the new Tom Dixon Scoop upholstered chair and brass Etch shade.

To extend the gallery experience, a dramatic stack of glass cubes have been installed to house an extraordinary selection of sculptures and busts dating back to 1897. The pieces belong to the Royal Academy of Arts permanent collection but have long been stored out of public view.







The new bar is set to be a key focal point in the restaurant made from Mount Etna lava stone and hand-made glazed brick. Designed as a robust, sculptural object, its grandeur is enhanced by a dramatic cast glass chandelier suspended above.

I am proud to say that I formed part of the team who designed this bar. The primary idea guidelined by Tom was to create an sculpture. We played overlaping volumes and perforating the counter, this scheme helped to create the small bar tables to have "tapas" and a quick lunch.

It is the first time that I am seeing the results coming out of my drawings.... :)

Project by Design Research Studio
images via Dezeen & Tom Dixon