Major new features include reclaimed 1920s doors (sourced from Retrouvius); a 1920s Arts & Crafts washstand, reading desk and mahogany cabinet to serve as greeter and waiter stations; eye-catching hand-blocked wallpaper (by Martha Armitage); a series of beautiful reclaimed glass lights and three neon flying ducks (bespoke-designed by SHH's lead designer on the project, Helen Hughes) at the entrance of the café, to attract attention and give the room a contemporary tweak.
'Our overall approach', commented Helen Hughes, 'was to make the interior look properly integrated with the building; make the restaurant function better, with more appropriate seating and lighting, and introduce striking new elements, that were either era-appropriate, highly contemporary or else which evoke the craft and maker spirit of the Arts & Crafts movement, such as the hand-printed wallpaper.'
The brief for the rectangular, 125 sq m space was generated in partnership between SHH, Liberty and Compass Leisure and began with practical issues. Existing seating, for example, had been arranged around 6-seater tables, which were often not fully used, leading to lost covers when customers were waiting for tables. The new marble-topped tables are now 4-seater tables with one group table for up to ten people, which is proving an instant hit. Seating was replaced with the Conran A16 chair, styled on the classic Bent Wood chair, which again gives a sense of warmth, history and permanence – as well as being particularly comfortable and easy to sit on.
The overly-blonde flooring in the space was stained to dark wood to be more in keeping with the store's original dark timbers, whilst a wall of beautifully-framed lead-lined windows was uncovered and restored. The servery area frontage was re-clad to match the new flooring.
Lighting was a major element of the new scheme. The existing system, which featured fittings swinging from the ceiling track, looked cluttered in a low-ceilinged space and also released no ambient light onto the walls or ceilings. This was replaced with discreet, directional spotlights along both long elevations of the room to highlight certain areas and take the eye away from the ceiling, whilst six beautiful and vintage bell-glass lights (surplus to requirements elsewhere in the building) now form a central feature, hanging just above the tables down the central spine of the space.
The reclaimed 1920s doors now screen openings into the store's back offices and also partially-obscure the kitchen (although clear glass still allows glimpses of movement to be seen). 'These really were a lucky find', added Helen Hughes, 'as their slightly battered and beaten look is perfect for the building and it's hard to believe they haven't always been in place'. The gentlemen's suit fabric that lines the back office entry doors in a pleated and gathered curtain, referencing Liberty's fashion offer, was also sourced at Retrouvius. The Arts & Crafts washstand and 1920s mahogany cabinet are used as waiter stations, whilst the 1920s reading desk is used as the host / greeter station at the entrance to the restaurant.
The main decoration took the form of new paintwork for panels and columns, in a strong and contemporary mid-dark grey, with the two long walls papered in two different intricate grey and white motif designs (one of leaves and butterflies and one of a fantasy garden) by wallpaper designer Martha Armitage (sourced from Sigmar). The final fun element is the shocking pink neon sculpture of flying ducks at the entrance to the space, designed by Helen Hughes and manufactured by Neon Creations. 'It's always good to have an unexpected element', Helen Hughes commented. 'This ensures the space is not seen as 'twee' and is definitely in the risk-taking spirit of Liberty's and its endlessly pioneering commitment to style.'
Roy Westwood, Creative Manager at Compass Group UK & Ireland, commented on the design: 'Liberty is a wonderfully unique venue and it was important for us to have a seamless transition between the restaurant and retail areas when embarking on the refurbishment. SHH interpreted our vision fantastically, with an abundance of style and elegance, while still retaining a 'rock'n'roll' playful twist. The restaurant is now a true part of the store and we think Liberty customers will really enjoy the new look.'
+ Designer: SHH
+ Photographer: Gareth Gardner
+ All images courtesy SHH
U.S. renderings
Architectural Renderings New York NY | Architectural Rendering New York NY
Architectural Renderings Los Angeles CA | Architectural Rendering Los Angeles CA
Architectural Renderings Chicago IL | Architectural Rendering Chicago IL
Architectural Renderings Houston TX | Architectural Rendering Houston TX
Architectural Renderings Phoenix AZ | Architectural Rendering Phoenix AZ
Architectural Renderings Philadelphia PA | Architectural Rendering Philadelphia PA
Architectural Renderings San Antonio TX | Architectural Rendering San Antonio TX
Architectural Renderings San Diego CA | Architectural Rendering San Diego CA
Architectural Renderings Dallas TX | Architectural Rendering Dallas TX
Architectural Renderings San Jose CA | Architectural Rendering San Jose CA
Architectural Renderings Detroit MI | Architectural Rendering Detroit MI
Architectural Renderings Jacksonville FL | Architectural Rendering Jacksonville FL
Architectural Renderings Indianapolis IN | Architectural Rendering Indianapolis IN
Architectural Renderings San Francisco CA | Architectural Rendering San Francisco CA
Architectural Renderings Columbus OH | Architectural Rendering Columbus OH
Architectural Renderings Austin TX | Architectural Rendering Austin TX
Architectural Renderings Memphis TN | Architectural Rendering Memphis TN
Architectural Renderings Fort Worth TX | Architectural Rendering Fort Worth TX
Architectural Renderings Baltimore MD | Architectural Rendering Baltimore MD
Architectural Renderings Charlotte NC | Architectural Rendering Charlotte NC
Architectural Renderings El Paso TX | Architectural Rendering El Paso TX
Architectural Renderings Milwaukee WI | Architectural Rendering Milwaukee WI
Architectural Renderings Boston MA | Architectural Rendering Boston MA
Architectural Renderings Seattle WA | Architectural Rendering Seattle WA
Architectural Renderings Washington, D. C. | Architectural Rendering Washington, D. C.
Architectural Renderings Denver CO | Architectural Rendering Denver CO
Architectural Renderings Louisville KY | Architectural Rendering Louisville KY
Architectural Renderings Las Vegas NV | Architectural Rendering Las Vegas NV
Architectural Renderings Nashville TN | Architectural Rendering Nashville TN
Architectural Renderings Oklahoma City OK | Architectural Rendering Oklahoma City OK
Architectural Renderings Portland OR | Architectural Rendering Portland OR
Architectural Renderings Tucson AZ | Architectural Rendering Tucson AZ
Architectural Renderings Albuquerque NM | Architectural Rendering Albuquerque NM
Architectural Renderings Atlanta GA | Architectural Rendering Atlanta GA
Architectural Renderings Long Beach CA | Architectural Rendering Long Beach CA
Architectural Renderings Fresno CA | Architectural Rendering Fresno CA
Architectural Renderings Sacramento CA | Architectural Rendering Sacramento CA
Architectural Renderings Mesa AZ | Architectural Rendering Mesa AZ
Architectural Renderings Kansas City MO | Architectural Rendering Kansas City MO
Architectural Renderings Cleveland OH | Architectural Rendering Cleveland OH
Architectural Renderings Virginia Beach VA | Architectural Rendering Virginia Beach VA
Architectural Renderings Omaha NE | Architectural Rendering Omaha NE
Architectural Renderings Miami FL | Architectural Rendering Miami FL
Architectural Renderings Oakland CA | Architectural Rendering Oakland CA
Architectural Renderings Tulsa OK | Architectural Rendering Tulsa OK
Architectural Renderings Honolulu HI | Architectural Rendering Honolulu HI
Architectural Renderings Minneapolis MN | Architectural Rendering Minneapolis MN
Architectural Renderings Colorado Springs CO | Architectural Rendering Colorado Springs CO
Architectural Renderings Arlington TX | Architectural Rendering Arlington TX
Architectural Renderings Wichita KS | Architectural Rendering Wichita KS
Architectural Renderings Raleigh NC | Architectural Rendering Raleigh NC
Architectural Renderings St. Louis MO | Architectural Rendering St. Louis MO
Architectural Renderings Santa Ana CA | Architectural Rendering Santa Ana CA
Architectural Renderings Anaheim CA | Architectural Rendering Anaheim CA
Architectural Renderings Tampa FL | Architectural Rendering Tampa FL
Architectural Renderings Cincinnati OH | Architectural Rendering Cincinnati OH
Architectural Renderings Pittsburgh PA | Architectural Rendering Pittsburgh PA
Architectural Renderings Bakersfield CA | Architectural Rendering Bakersfield CA
Architectural Renderings Aurora CO | Architectural Rendering Aurora CO
Architectural Renderings Toledo OH | Architectural Rendering Toledo OH
Architectural Renderings Riverside CA | Architectural Rendering Riverside CA
Architectural Renderings Stockton CA | Architectural Rendering Stockton CA
Architectural Renderings Corpus Christi TX | Architectural Rendering Corpus Christi TX
Architectural Renderings Newark NJ | Architectural Rendering Newark NJ
Architectural Renderings Anchorage AK | Architectural Rendering Anchorage AK
Architectural Renderings St. Paul MN | Architectural Rendering St. Paul MN
Architectural Renderings Lexington KY | Architectural Rendering Lexington KY
Architectural Renderings Plano TX | Architectural Rendering Plano TX
Architectural Renderings Fort Wayne IN | Architectural Rendering Fort Wayne IN
Architectural Renderings St. Petersburg FL | Architectural Rendering St. Petersburg FL
Architectural Renderings Glendale AZ | Architectural Rendering Glendale AZ
Architectural Renderings Jersey City NJ | Architectural Rendering Jersey City NJ
Architectural Renderings Lincoln NE | Architectural Rendering Lincoln NE
Architectural Renderings Henderson NV | Architectural Rendering Henderson NV
Architectural Renderings Chandler AZ | Architectural Rendering Chandler AZ
Architectural Renderings Norfolk VA | Architectural Rendering Norfolk VA
Architectural Renderings Greensboro NC | Architectural Rendering Greensboro NC
Architectural Renderings Scottsdale AZ | Architectural Rendering Scottsdale AZ
Architectural Renderings Baton Rouge LA | Architectural Rendering Baton Rouge LA
Architectural Renderings Madison WI | Architectural Rendering Madison WI
Architectural Renderings New Orleans LA | Architectural Rendering New Orleans LA
Architectural Renderings Chesapeake VA | Architectural Rendering Chesapeake VA
Architectural Renderings Orlando FL | Architectural Rendering Orlando FL
Architectural Renderings Garland TX | Architectural Rendering Garland TX
Architectural Renderings Hialeah FL | Architectural Rendering Hialeah FL
Architectural Renderings Laredo TX | Architectural Rendering Laredo TX
Architectural Renderings Chula Vista CA | Architectural Rendering Chula Vista CA
Architectural Renderings Lubbock TX | Architectural Rendering Lubbock TX
Architectural Renderings Reno NV | Architectural Rendering Reno NV
Architectural Renderings Akron OH | Architectural Rendering Akron OH
Architectural Renderings Durham NC | Architectural Rendering Durham NC
Architectural Renderings Rochester NY | Architectural Rendering Rochester NY
Architectural Renderings Modesto CA | Architectural Rendering Modesto CA
Architectural Renderings Montgomery AL | Architectural Rendering Montgomery AL
Architectural Renderings Fremont CA | Architectural Rendering Fremont CA
Architectural Renderings Shreveport LA | Architectural Rendering Shreveport LA
Architectural Renderings Arlington VA | Architectural Rendering Arlington VA
Architectural Renderings Glendale CA | Architectural Rendering Glendale CA
Architectural Renderings San Bernardino CA | Architectural Rendering San Bernardino CA
Architectural Renderings Boise ID | Architectural Rendering Boise ID
Architectural Renderings Spokane WA | Architectural Rendering Spokane WA
Architectural Renderings Yonkers NY | Architectural Rendering Yonkers NY
Architectural Renderings North Las Vegas NV | Architectural Rendering North Las Vegas NV
Architectural Renderings Winston-Salem NC | Architectural Rendering Winston-Salem NC
Architectural Renderings Tacoma WA | Architectural Rendering Tacoma WA
Architectural Renderings Irving TX | Architectural Rendering Irving TX
Architectural Renderings Huntington Beach CA | Architectural Rendering Huntington Beach CA
Architectural Renderings Irvine CA | Architectural Rendering Irvine CA
Architectural Renderings Des Moines IA | Architectural Rendering Des Moines IA
Architectural Renderings Great Rapids MI | Architectural Rendering Great Rapids MI
Architectural Renderings Richmond VA | Architectural Rendering Richmond VA
Architectural Renderings Mobile AL | Architectural Rendering Mobile AL
Architectural Renderings Gilbert AZ | Architectural Rendering Gilbert AZ
Architectural Renderings Augusta GA | Architectural Rendering Augusta GA
Architectural Renderings Columbus GA | Architectural Rendering Columbus GA
Architectural Renderings Fort Lauderdale FL | Architectural Rendering Fort Lauderdale FL
Architectural Renderings Amarillo TX | Architectural Rendering Amarillo TX
Architectural Renderings Oxnard CA | Architectural Rendering Oxnard CA
Architectural Renderings Little Rock AR | Architectural Rendering Little Rock AR
Architectural Renderings Moreno Valley CA | Architectural Rendering Moreno Valley CA
Architectural Renderings Knoxville TN | Architectural Rendering Knoxville TN
Architectural Renderings Salt Lake City UT | Architectural Rendering Salt Lake City UT
Architectural Renderings Newport News VA | Architectural Rendering Newport News VA
Architectural Renderings Jackson MS | Architectural Rendering Jackson MS
Architectural Renderings Worcester MA | Architectural Rendering Worcester MA
Architectural Renderings Providence RI | Architectural Rendering Providence RI
Architectural Renderings Ontario CA | Architectural Rendering Ontario CA
Architectural Renderings Brownsville TX | Architectural Rendering Brownsville TX
Architectural Renderings Rancho Cucamonga CA | Architectural Rendering Rancho Cucamonga CA
Architectural Renderings Aurora IL | Architectural Rendering Aurora IL
Architectural Renderings Fontana CA | Architectural Rendering Fontana CA
Architectural Renderings Tempe AZ | Architectural Rendering Tempe AZ
Architectural Renderings Rockford IL | Architectural Rendering Rockford IL
Architectural Renderings Huntsville AL | Architectural Rendering Huntsville AL
Architectural Renderings Fayetteville NC | Architectural Rendering Fayetteville NC
Architectural Renderings Santa Clarita CA | Architectural Rendering Santa Clarita CA
Architectural Renderings Overland Park KS | Architectural Rendering Overland Park KS
Architectural Renderings Garden Grove CA | Architectural Rendering Garden Grove CA
Architectural Renderings Oceanside CA | Architectural Rendering Oceanside CA
Architectural Renderings Tallahassee FL | Architectural Rendering Tallahassee FL
Architectural Renderings Vancouver WA | Architectural Rendering Vancouver WA
Architectural Renderings Dayton OH | Architectural Rendering Dayton OH
Architectural Renderings Chattanooga TN | Architectural Rendering Chattanooga TN
Architectural Renderings Pomona CA | Architectural Rendering Pomona CA
Architectural Renderings Santa Rosa CA | Architectural Rendering Santa Rosa CA
Architectural Renderings Grand Prairie TX | Architectural Rendering Grand Prairie TX
Architectural Renderings Salem OR | Architectural Rendering Grand Salem OR
Architectural Renderings Cape Coral FL | Architectural Rendering Cape Coral FL
Architectural Renderings Springfield MA | Architectural Rendering Springfield MA
Architectural Renderings Springfield MO | Architectural Rendering Springfield MO
Architectural Renderings Corona CA | Architectural Rendering Corona CA
Architectural Renderings Pembroke Pines FL | Architectural Rendering Pembroke Pines FL
Architectural Renderings Paterson NJ | Architectural Rendering Paterson NJ
Architectural Renderings Eugene OR | Architectural Rendering Eugene OR
Architectural Renderings Hollywood FL | Architectural Rendering Hollywood FL
Architectural Renderings Salinas CA | Architectural Rendering Salinas CA
Architectural Renderings Hampton VA | Architectural Rendering Hampton VA
Architectural Renderings Pasadena TX | Architectural Rendering Pasadena TX
Architectural Renderings Pasadena CA | Architectural Rendering Pasadena CA
Architectural Renderings Port St. Lucie FL|Architectural Rendering Port St. Lucie FL
Architectural Renderings Kansas City KS|Architectural Rendering Kansas City KS
Architectural Renderings Naperville IL|Architectural Rendering Naperville IL
Architectural Renderings Joliet IL|Architectural Rendering Joliet IL
Architectural Renderings Sioux Falls SD|Architectural Rendering Sioux Falls SD
Architectural Renderings Torrance CA|Architectural Rendering Torrance CA
Architectural Renderings Peoria CA|Architectural Rendering Peoria CA
Architectural Renderings Lancaster CA|Architectural Rendering Lancaster CA
Architectural Renderings Syracuse NY|Architectural Rendering Syracuse NY
Architectural Renderings Hayward CA|Architectural Rendering Hayward CA
Architectural Renderings Lakewood CO|Architectural Rendering Lakewood CO
Architectural Renderings Palmdale CA |Architectural Rendering Palmdale CA
Architectural Renderings Alexandria VA |Architectural Rendering Alexandria VA
Architectural Renderings Bridgeport CT |Architectural Rendering Bridgeport CT
Architectural Renderings Orange CA |Architectural Rendering Orange CA
Architectural Renderings Warren MI |Architectural Rendering Warren MI
Architectural Renderings Escondido CA |Architectural Rendering Escondido CA
Architectural Renderings Fullerton CA |Architectural Rendering Fullerton CA
Architectural Renderings Mesquite TX |Architectural Rendering Mesquite TX
Architectural Renderings Sunnyvale CA |Architectural Rendering Sunnyvale CA
Architectural Renderings Coral Springs FL |Architectural Rendering Coral Springs FL
Architectural Renderings Fort Collins CO |Architectural Rendering Fort Collins CO
Architectural Renderings Elk Grove CA |Architectural Rendering Elk Grove CA
Architectural Renderings Sterling Heights MI |Architectural Rendering Sterling Heights MI
Architectural Renderings Savannah GA |Architectural Rendering Savannah GA
Architectural Renderings McAllen TX |Architectural Rendering McAllen TX
Architectural Renderings Elizabeth NJ |Architectural Rendering Elizabeth NJ
Architectural Renderings Hartford CT |Architectural Rendering Hartford CT
Architectural Renderings Cedar Rapids IA |Architectural Rendering Cedar Rapids IA
Architectural Renderings Thousand Oaks CA |Architectural Rendering Thousand Oaks CA
Architectural Renderings New Haven CT |Architectural Rendering New Haven CT
Architectural Renderings El Monte CA |Architectural Rendering El Monte CA
Architectural Renderings Concord CA |Architectural Rendering Concord CA
Architectural Renderings Topeka KS |Architectural Rendering Topeka KS
Architectural Renderings Carrollton TX |Architectural Rendering Carrollton TX
Architectural Renderings Waco TX |Architectural Rendering Waco TX
Architectural Renderings Simi Valley CA |Architectural Rendering Simi Valley CA
Architectural Renderings West Valley UT |Architectural Rendering West Valley UT
Architectural Renderings Columbia SC |Architectural Rendering Columbia SC
Architectural Renderings Stamford CT |Architectural Rendering Stamford CT
Architectural Renderings Bellevue WA |Architectural Rendering Bellevue WA
Architectural Renderings Flint MI |Architectural Rendering Flint MI
Architectural Renderings Vallejo CA |Architectural Rendering Vallejo CA
Architectural Renderings Springfield IL |Architectural Rendering Springfield IL
Architectural Renderings Evansville IN |Architectural Rendering Evansville IN
Architectural Renderings Inglewood CA |Architectural Rendering Inglewood CA
Architectural Renderings Abilene TX |Architectural Rendering Abilene TX
Architectural Renderings Olathe KS |Architectural Rendering Olathe KS
Architectural Renderings Lansing MI |Architectural Rendering Lansing MI
Architectural Renderings Lafayette LA |Architectural Rendering Lafayette LA
Architectural Renderings Provo UT |Architectural Rendering Provo UT
Architectural Renderings Visalia CA |Architectural Rendering Visalia CA
Architectural Renderings Ann Arbor MI |Architectural Rendering Ann Arbor MI
Architectural Renderings Clarksville TN |Architectural Rendering Clarksville TN
Architectural Renderings Peoria IL |Architectural Rendering Peoria IL
Architectural Renderings Cary NC |Architectural Rendering Cary NC
Architectural Renderings Athens GA |Architectural Rendering Athens GA
Architectural Renderings Beaumont TX |Architectural Rendering Beaumont TX
Architectural Renderings Costa Mesa CA |Architectural Rendering Costa Mesa CA
Architectural Renderings Denton TX |Architectural Rendering Denton TX
Architectural Renderings Manchester NH |Architectural Rendering Manchester NH
Architectural Renderings Independence MO |Architectural Rendering Independence MO
Architectural Renderings Downey CA |Architectural Rendering Downey CA
Architectural Renderings Thornton CO |Architectural Rendering Thornton CO
Architectural Renderings Gainesville FL |Architectural Rendering Gainesville FL
Architectural Renderings Santa Clara CA |Architectural Rendering Santa Clara CA
Architectural Renderings Miramar FL |Architectural Rendering Miramar FL
Architectural Renderings Charleston SC |Architectural Rendering Charleston SC
Architectural Renderings West Covina CA |Architectural Rendering West Covina CA
Architectural Renderings Clearwater FL |Architectural Rendering Clearwater FL
Architectural Renderings McKinney TX |Architectural Rendering McKinney TX
Architectural Renderings Allentown PA |Architectural Rendering Allentown PA
Architectural Renderings Waterbury CT |Architectural Rendering Waterbury CT
Architectural Renderings Roseville CA |Architectural Rendering Roseville CA
Architectural Renderings Westminster CO |Architectural Rendering Westminster CO
Architectural Renderings Norwalk CA |Architectural Rendering Norwalk CA
Architectural Renderings South Bend IN |Architectural Rendering South Bend IN
Architectural Renderings Fairfield CA |Architectural Rendering Fairfield CA
Architectural Renderings Arvada CO |Architectural Rendering Arvada CO
Architectural Renderings Pompano Beach FL |Architectural Rendering Pompano Beach FL
Architectural Renderings Burbank CA |Architectural Rendering Burbank CA
Architectural Renderings San Buenaventura CA |Architectural Rendering San Buenaventura CA
Architectural Renderings Pueblo CO |Architectural Rendering Pueblo CO
Architectural Renderings Lowell MA |Architectural Rendering Lowell MA
Architectural Renderings Norman OK |Architectural Rendering Norman OK
Architectural Renderings Richmond CA |Architectural Rendering Richmond CA
Architectural Renderings Midland TX |Architectural Rendering Midland TX
Architectural Renderings Erie PA |Architectural Rendering Erie PA
Architectural Renderings Killeen TX |Architectural Rendering Killeen TX
Architectural Renderings Elgin IL |Architectural Rendering Elgin IL
Architectural Renderings Berkeley CA |Architectural Rendering Berkeley CA
Architectural Renderings Portsmouth VA |Architectural Rendering Portsmouth VA
Architectural Renderings Cambridge MA |Architectural Rendering Cambridge MA
Architectural Renderings Daly City CA |Architectural Rendering Daly City CA
Architectural Renderings Antioch CA |Architectural Rendering Antioch CA
Architectural Renderings Green Bay WI |Architectural Rendering Green Bay WI
Architectural Renderings West Jordan UT |Architectural Rendering West Jordan UT
Architectural Renderings Billings MT |Architectural Rendering Billings MT
Australia renderings
Architectural Renderings Sydney|Architectural Rendering Sydney
Architectural Renderings Melbourne|Architectural Rendering Melbourne
Architectural Renderings Brisbane|Architectural Rendering Brisbane
Architectural Renderings Perth|Architectural Rendering Perth
Architectural Renderings Adelaide|Architectural Rendering Adelaide
Architectural Renderings Hobart|Architectural Rendering Hobart
Architectural Renderings Canberra|Architectural Rendering Canberra
Architectural Renderings Darwin|Architectural Rendering Darwin
Canada renderings
Architectural Renderings Toronto|Architectural Rendering Toronto
Architectural Renderings Montreal|Architectural Rendering Montreal
Architectural Renderings Vancouver|Architectural Rendering Vancouver
Architectural Renderings Calgary|Architectural Rendering Calgary
Architectural Renderings Edmonton|Architectural Rendering Edmonton
UK renderings
Architectural Renderings London|Architectural Rendering London
Architectural Renderings Manchester|Architectural Rendering Manchester
Architectural Renderings Newcastle|Architectural Rendering Newcastle
Architectural Renderings Liverpool|Architectural Rendering Liverpool
Architectural Renderings Leeds|Architectural Rendering Leeds
Architectural Renderings Birmingham|Architectural Rendering Birmingham