As part of the ongoing Berkeley Hotel’s refurbishment London-based designer Robert Angell was asked to design an all day lounge bar that would be operated from breakfast through to lunch, afternoon tea and Dinner. The Room reflects the hotels exquisite food offers and in particular the afternoon tea offer which is ever so popular.
The Collins Room evokes a timelessness appeal and has a lightness of touch. It is enveloped by a new glass Pavilion created by Sir Richard Rogers. The Room has a counter to act as a display for warm breakfast breads and pastries through to Afternoon tea cake and pastry displays. The Seating is comfortable and conducive for groups and couples looking to experience what the Collins Room has to offer. The overall layout of the seating and tables allows ease of access for both service and also for guests to have private conversations and feel intimate yet be able to experience the vibe that room creates.
The colour scheme reflects this with palate of blues and lavenders which was prevalent in so much of David’s work. Custom embroided branches and flowers on the walls are a modern take on the de Gournay cherry blossom wallpaper. David Collins loved flowers and blossom and so this was very fitting. The floors are a custom designed marble mosaic flower petals with inlaid rugs should feel slightly as if the leaves have fallen off the trees. Flowery and delicate.
The tones are soft and this is enhanced by white and pale grey Dalmatian marble details such as the opening architraves and chilled topped display counter. The lighting is witty and whimsical and the design team used bird styled anglepoise lamps that sit on the branches of the trees. Two large feature porcelain chandeliers hang from the ceiling which are also uniquely designed for this room. The Room reflects both nature and glamour. Robert Angell also designed a series of feature convex mirrors that reflect light and distort the room beautifully.
The Display counter zig-zag shelving rotates from morning freshness to a bar bottle display for pre-diner drinks. Its fresh and very elegant. The Collins Room is the perfect place to relax in a stunning interior filled with light and it really celebrates the feeling of being at one with the outside yet is glamorous and sophisticated in look and feel to enjoy the delights on offer.
all images courtesy of Robert Angell