Tonik Associates have been shortlisted for Restaurant Within a Hotel – Europe Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2021.

The Design Brief was to totally reposition and rebrand the hotel to attract a new and vibrant “lifestyle” audience. Focusing on “Luxury with purpose” mantra and using a natural materials pallet throughout. The use of unique showstopper features in each of the key areas to delight the guest and provoke interest in the hotel as part of Covent Garden’s vibrant and upbeat community.

In the main welcome space there was total reconfiguration of the zone by removing the old Porte cochere to increase useable front of house space by 300m2. The lobby also had a complete reconfiguration of the double height lobby space so all key areas could be orientated and accessed by guests on arrival. Inclusion of a bespoke centrepiece welcome desk as an artwork upon arrival. Increase mezzanine area (originally B.O.H space and public wcs, to create and intimate residents Library lounge as a peaceful oasis amidst the vibrant space. Accessed via a bespoke illuminated “stairway to heaven” as a nod to the hotels musical heritage.

The designer want to create a feel of a destination Bar/Restaurant that linked the ethos of the Hotel with the essence of the neighbourhood. Introducing a unique and special leaf ceiling formed with 2500 copper sycamore leaves floating above the bare as an intro to the Sycamore cucina restaurant below. The realisation of a destination live event venue in the basement (formally hotel plant area and offices) a space designed to extend Covent Garden’s live events space from the Piazza indoors. The design concept is based around the rediscovery of this space (as if its always been there) the juxtaposition of brutal urban basement space punctured with beautiful bespoke pieces, bars and screens. Rough luxe vernacular.



The use of natural sustainable materials deliver a relevant and contemporary material solution to match todays environmental expectations. The hotel is very aware of the history of its specific location (music theatre) and the wider Covent Garden locality ethos. The wider design cues provide drama and theatre in line with these values.

Artisan and Bespoke elements are evident in every major space within the hotel Bespoke useable art installations were a key language used. In the reception there is a bespoke desk crafted from felled and replaced sage oak and a unique tree route centrepiece as a welcome feature. The Bar ceiling is fashioned as a one off installation of 2500 copper sycamore leaves. Hand painted feature illuminated walls wrapping the bar space one off staircase to heaven feature hand crafted in oak and brass. Bespoke petrified moss walls to the interior of the suite gardens bringing greenery inside.

Tonik Associates

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