There must be something about going out in London, because it’s no longer just the home of the best bar in the world. Now, the city claims the world’s best-looking restaurant as well.
Choosing from over 800 submissions, a panel of design industry experts selected German Gymnasium as the best overall restaurant in the 2016 Restaurant and Bar Design Awards. The stunning two-story restaurant once served as England’s first purpose-built gym, and helped to host London’s first National Olympic Games in 1866 in its former life.
The German Gymnasium, located in the heart of King’s Cross in London, was named the overall winner at the eighth annual event, which shines the spotlight on the most beautifully designed spaces around the world.
Lovers of good design will appreciate the German Gymnasium as it pays homage to its heritage in preserving original details like the climbing hooks in the ceiling and cast steel columns. The building was completed in 1865, and was funded from London’s Germany community for the German Gymnastics Society.
Designed by Conran and Partners, the restaurant is described as a modern interpretation of a classic brasserie with German overtones. Warm walnut timber paneling and black and gray distressed leather upholstery are set off against fresh, contemporary accents like an occasional pink and red tones. The space features two bars, a first-floor restaurant, Grand Cafe, and outdoor terrace.
The menu is also a celebration of the landmark’s German heritage under the culinary vision of chef Bjoern Wassmuth, who has created a menu featuring a few classic Mittel-European dishes like schnitzel, currywurst, sauerkraut, and strudels. The Black Forest menu features black forest ham, truffled potato soup, venison “Baden Baden,” with Spatzle and lingonberries, and a chocolate sponge cake with cherries and whipped cream called the “Danube.”
In the category of best overall bar design, the Blue Wave bar in Barcelona, Spain, was given the top honor. Designed by El Equipo Creativo, the interior is conceived to evoke a wave about to break. Located on the water’s edge in the Port of Barcelona, designers used reflective elements and ceramic tiles in various shades of blue and white to harken sea foam, waves, and light.
Complete List of International Winners at the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards 2016
Best Overall Restaurant, German Gymnasium, London, U.K. designed by Conran & Partners
Best Overall Bar, Blue Wave, Barcelona, Spain, El Equipo Creativo
Regional winners:
Best Restaurant North America: Torafuku, Vancouver, Canada, by Scott and Scott Architects
Best Bar North America: Kat and Theo, New York, USA, by Aviva Collective
Best Restaurant Europe: Les Bains, Paris, France, RDAI
Best Bar Europe: Blue Wave, Barcelona, Spain, El Equipo Creativo
Best Bar Asia: Foxglove, Hong Kong, NCDA
Best Restaurant Asia: Shugaa, Bangkok, Thailand, Party Space Design
Best Restaurant Australia and Pacific: So 9, Sydney, Australia, Brand Works
Best Bar Australia and Pacific Bar: Pink Moon Saloon, Adelaide, Australia, Sans-Arc Studio
Best Bar Middle East Africa: News Cafe, Johannesburg, South Africa, Studio A
Best Restaurant Middle East and Africa Restaurant: Jo Grilled Food, Tehran, Iran, White Rhino Design Group
—Relaxnews
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