Blacksheep unveiled their latest designs for three brand new Jamie’s Italians in overseas Dubai, Singapore and Istanbul, at the end of 2013.
Blacksheep have worked with the brand for four years and have collaborated with them on over fifteen individual sites in the UK, including new brand concepts Union Jacks and more recently Jamie’s Trattoria, an all-day dining café and restaurant in Richmond, London.
Key to the design approach for the international market; is to reflect the traditional and classic Jamie’s Italian concept, whilst also considering the cultures and customs unique to those regions, ensuring that local guests and holiday makers alike, can enjoy the true Jamie’s experience. The success of these challenging projects lie in the team’s ability to build close partnerships with local craftsman and artisans so that they can ensure each restaurant can relate to its locality, whilst also remaining true to the unique Jamie’s brand.
Emma Freed, Interior Designer at Blacksheep commented, “The best thing about working on Jamie’s Italian for the international market, is the fact that they represent something fresh and new to those regions. In Singapore for example, although they are familiar with the brand, it is many people’s first time experiencing a Jamie’s. There is something very rewarding and special about the excitement and anticipation which surrounds these projects.”
Blacksheep’s launch of their very first international collaboration with the household name, in the form of Jamie’s Italian, Jumeirah Beach Hotel Dubai, marks the strength in their relationship with Jamie’s as they move to expand the brand internationally. Situated within the Jumeirah Beach Resort, the prestigious location of the restaurant was to be key to the brief. With striking views to the iconic Burj Al Arab already framing the destination, the team enhanced this feature whilst embracing the existing architecture of the new build site. Blacksheep created a semi enclosed circular space within the centre of the restaurant to form an intimate dining experience, framed by metal screens with open and closed glass detail. The overall result provides the guest with privacy whilst also reminding them of the wider restaurant setting and beautiful views throughout.
With Jamie’s Italian in Singapore, the key focus was on reclaimed and homely materials to contrast with the clean lines of the shopping centre environment of where it is situated in Vivo City, one of the region’s largest and busiest retail destinations. Blacksheep created a range of different dining spaces to fulfil the brief including an arbour, private dining area and outside terrace providing stunning views across the harbour. The entrance is key as it allows open views into the bar and deli area enticing passers-by, as well as drawing their eye to the central views of the terrace area beyond. Reclaimed timber beams and vintage reclaimed lighting are amongst the key materials used in this location.
Jamie’s Italian in Zorlu shopping Centre Istanbul, undoubtedly challenged the Blacksheep team as it marks the biggest Jamie’s Italian the creative agency has designed to date at just under 445 covers over two floors of 885 square meters. The team looked to create a different dining experience on each level. The ground level presents a daytime sanctuary and includes an antipasti bar and theatrical kitchen with an emphasis on colour and the building’s grand ceiling heights. The first level provides a more intimate dining experience whilst also remaining an accessible dining space for all. This area also includes a striking wine display, its very own antipasti bar as well as a pizza oven and private dining area for those wanting to experience the brand in the intimacy of their friends and family. The destination restaurant also offers two standalone terrace areas to enjoy the Jamie’s experience.
All three restaurants also include glazing which can be folded back at night-time allowing guests inside to enjoy the outside atmosphere, something which is popular amongst diners in such tropical climates.
Blacksheep continue to work with the brand on developing new sites in 2014, both at home in the UK and other international destinations.
