SPRING AT SOMERSET HOUSE

Stuart Forbes Associates (SFA) was appointed to design and deliver a new restaurant fit-out at Somerset House, a Grade 1 Listed, arts and cultural centre, sited on the North shore of the Thames in the heart of London. The brief for Spring, the new fine dining restaurant situated within Somerset House, reflects the aspirations of the head chef Skye Gyngell to provide a special and serene culinary and sensory experience for guests.

The project presented some interesting challenges in the integration of modern and efficient services systems within a protected but ageing building fabric. The practice’s design response was to introduce a dining garden area reminiscent of an 'al fresco' casual eating experience, all year round. The new dining garden solution is an area carved out from an existing internal lightwell infilling the floor and adding a new modern glazed roof structure, which creates an intimate separate dining experience assisted by a pleasant urban backdrop. Spring also features two separate bars, one serving the entry area and the second providing service to the main dining space. Architectural solutions were devised singularly for each space to respond to specific client business and working practices.

The practice orchestrated the architecture and the interior appearance of the ground floor, which has a distinctive and subtle design that relies on outstanding quality finishes and spaces organisation. Spring’s refurbishment offered an opportunity for the practice to collaborate with an exceptional team of contractors as well as exciting new artists, for whom the restaurant space has become a new backdrop for their artwork.  

Since it opened in 2014 Spring has been a huge success and has built a reputation, not only for exceptional dining, but also as an oasis of calm and sophistication in this busy corner of London.