The Berkeley Bar & Terrace
Bryan O’Sullivan Studio brought a classy and timeless feel to the iconic space at the Berkeley Bar & Terrace, a special experience for guests visiting this London bar.
The Berkeley Bar and Terrace is the first hospitality project by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio to be completed in London.
Conceived as a calling card for the Studio’s aesthetic, every element of the space was designed by the Studio, just named Elle Decor’s Interior Designer of the Year. Key features include a half-moon marble bar, a central fireplace, and even a hideaway snug. Repeat brutalist inspired arch forms that run through the space reference the new home of the Grenadiers, an infantry regiment of the British Army whose stables were originally located on the grounds where the hotel lies.
The central material in the design story is exquisite walnut wood. Taken from a 300-year-old tree felled from the Fulbeck Estate, Lincolnshire in the great storm of 2007, the grain is extraordinarily complex and beautiful. The delicate finish of the timber brings out the depth and intricacy of the figuring, the panels of which are used throughout the bar to cocoon the whole space, whilst a colour palette of soft corals, creams and pinks offset its richness.
The story of the tree and the Fulbeck Estate has been developed and drawn by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, and has been romantically depicted by the most expert craftsman in a plasterwork frieze which runs above the wood panels – another example of the artisanal touches in this space.
The snug has been designed for more secluded occasions, set away from the main bar and seating up to nine guests. With its own sound system and call-for-service button, the snug will provide visitors with the feeling of their own intimate space. It also features a spectacular mural, painted by New York-based artist TM Davy. Davy was inspired by original snug spaces in public houses, usually reserved for women and their secret discussions when men and women did not mix socially. The mural depicts gazing female faces with mysterious and knowing expressions, all connected with rhythmic lines to portray the connection and trusted relationships between them.
Bryan O’Sullivan said “I am honoured to have been asked to create this very special space for The Berkeley, famous for its iconic bars. The rich history of the building provided a springboard of inspiration for what we hope is a timeless yet contemporary new edition to this London landmark”.
Design: Bryan O’Sullivan Studio
Construction: Piperhill
Photography: James McDonald
