Harrods Dining Hall:
The next phase of the grand Knightsbridge store renovation unveiled!
Having now completed the refurbishment of The Roast and Bake Hall, The Champagne, Wines and Spirits Hall, The Mens International Design Room 1 and The Harrods Signature Hall Umdasch are proud to have completed the third phase of historic food halls The Dining Hall. As part of the 10-year plan to renovate the iconic Harrods Knightsbridge store, the Dining Hall, covering a space of 500m² opened in June. This was a huge, long-term project, displaying the ongoing collaborative work of umdasch and other design and architectural renovation professionals.
21st Century Transformation
Harrods, London. It´s the gem of London and a national British treasure. Founded in the early 19th century by the Harrod family, the name is synonymous with prestige and great history. From the courteous door attendants, called “Green Men” to the top service customers receive in the many departments, Harrods is known as a luxury retailer and service provider. It´s famous for the creative window displays, luxury brands, exquisite architecture and its flagship concepts. To showcase the trend setting ability of Harrods, Knightsbridge as a flagship store and transform it into the 21st century retailer it now is, umdasch was commissioned to provide the design engineering , manufacturing, delivery and installation services.
Preserving History
Working again in collaboration with David Collins Studio to redesign this unique room was once again a project where many unique requirements were made. With such a historic building, with its listed, painted tiles that line the room from floor to ceiling, the focus of the revamp and design was on preserving the cherished heritage and atmosphere. The ceiling was cleaned to bring out the beautiful colours and patterns. This canopy of detailed tiles frames the fixtures and fittings by umdasch in a contrast of antique and modern.
Beauty in the Details
Only the best, top quality materials were used for the new design concept. Specially treated, smooth leather covers the seats, with beautiful trimmings and little exotic bird emblems on the back of the Wine Bar seats in the centre of the Dining Hall. An array of glass, marble, mirrors, wood and solid antique brass, enchant visitors in the luxury atmosphere. Round, globe shaped lamps with brass hardware light illuminate individual areas. Lighting Design International provided the lighting design, highlighting the classy metals and shiny tiles, whilst in keeping with the antique touches of the historic building.
“Before the renovation, the Dining Hall offered various top quality, counter seated dining. The new layout allows for over double the seating capacity than was previously available, however still feels spacious and comfortable due to the clever seating plan and high quality furniture”, says Simon Wait, Sales Director umdasch UK.
The new concept also shows various mini banquet-seating areas, some lining the newly separated eateries and some around separate tables in a cosy dining corner and a long dining table, separated into intimate pairs by lights.
The wide array of eateries serve the finest seasonal foods from six new restaurants. Here, you can find some of the world’s best wine and oysters, freshly served from inbuilt ice beds and cuisine cooked by the 150 in-house chefs. Whatever your hankering, there’s a perfect seat for you!
We Make Successful Stores
“Working with Umdasch to realise our third and most historic Food Hall within Harrods has been a delight – their team is excellent and they are brilliant collaborators!” says Lewis Taylor, Design Director David Collins Studio.
“We are very proud to have been trusted to deliver yet another prestigious hall for our valued client, The last time those foodhalls were renovated stretches back to the 1980s. These projects have been a once in a lifetime opportunity for us, which no doubt will stand the test of time” says Roman Fussthaler, Managing Director of Premium Retail at umdasch The Store Makers.
Another successful store realised, where customers have been coming to shop in for generations and now the next generation will be able to enjoy it for years to come. Stay tuned for more great retail design concepts!