The brief was to convert the existing cafe to maximise the number of seats allowing for at least 200 covers to meet the growing demand resulting from the Gallery's increasing visitor numbers, to reduce the queuing time and to make the cafe accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities.
The area of the cafe has been extended by introducing an expresso bar and bar tables with standing room for 26 people in the existing lobby between the Whistler restaurant and cafe. This is a way of making an introduction to the cafe and of providing a location for a quick cup of coffee and a croissant or sandwich.
Entrance to the cafe is from the lobby through the main seating area to the servery beyond. The seats are organised in four bays contained by dwarf walls which contain recessed uplights, and with bench seating behind.
The walls of the two main eating areas are painted terracotta red with ice blue walls to the servery and circulation and with pale blue rubber tiles on the floor. Other finishes include black lacquered trim and sealed MDF, tan leather upholstery and stainless steel fittings.
The ambient lighting is purpose designed cold cathode suspended fittings with some discreet wall washers.
Exhibitions
- exhibited in the Eating Design Exhibition, Oxo Tower 1999
