UK architecture practice Red Deer has transformed a former linoleum and carpet warehouse located in London‘s Square Mile into the new all-day restaurant and bar Lino. Both a bar, restaurant and café, the design for the 368m2 space takes a new considered approach to drinking and dining in the City. Near to Smithfield Market, the exterior of the red brick converted warehouse is clad in the original glazed brown ceramic tiles. The original factory windows and 12ft factory doors were also retained by Red Deer and were central to the industrial aesthetic of the interior design.
Chef Richard Falks brings a low-waste ethos to Lino and it was imperative that the interior design by Red Deer complimented that, from reclaimed light fittings to the use of sustainable materials. Inside the vast cavernous space the interior has a contemporary light and airy warehouse style with Nordic influences. The space, stripped back to its original shell with exposed steel girders, polished concrete floor and venting, features a clover-shaped bar that is the star of the space.
The sculptural waxed tulipwood bar with marble top and tiled exterior features buttoned leather bar stools in shades of peach and greige and acts as a centerpiece for the restaurant seating which is located around the circumference of the space. Plush soft blue velvet upholstered sofas and French brasserie style marble tables offer casual all-day dining areas for medium to large groups with pink velvet tub seating, fluted tan leather banquettes and wooden bar tables making intimate coffee and cocktail hotspots.
The open-plan kitchen is located towards the right of the main restaurant space and features stainless steel kitchen table dining and inky velvet bar stools. Towards the rear of the restaurant is the ‘Back Room’. Featuring its own bar, the space has an altogether more relaxed and cozy Nordic café style lounge feel.
This 40 seats rustic wooden space with concrete walls features large wooden tables, school chairs and metal stools ideal for all-day communal dining and flexible working, whilst triangular cafe tables made and woven Danish-style leather seating line the large factory windows. Delicate opaque glass and brass pendant lighting and reclaimed industrial wall lights adorn the cafe space which doubles as a private dining space.
