Hamilford Design completed the rich and luxurious interiors for an Omakase restaurant in Notting Hill, creating a space that is a jewel box of treasures.
Behind a velvet curtain in the heart of Notting Hill is the country’s smallest Omakase, designed by Hamilford Design. With only six seats, Juno provides an intimate dining experience and the chance to watch world class chef Leonard Tanyag prepare his carefully crafted 15 course menu.
Guided by the brief of balancing Mexican and Japanese influences, Hamilford Design created a speakeasy-like aura, with an atmosphere of both privacy and exclusivity. The walls mirror delicate fish scales and waves, immersing guests in an underwater ambiance, transporting them away from central London and creating a unique adventure.
The Omakase experience is unique and steeped in tradition, putting the chef in the limelight during this immersive dining adventure. Hamilford wanted to create an ambience which allows a convivial eating atmosphere, a space that encourages interaction with the chef, whilst feeling both inviting and exclusive. “Omakase” translates as “trust the chef” and the impressive, solid wood Omakase table is his stage, where he can be seen preparing the dishes fresh and directly handing them over.
When designing home interiors Hamilford strive to incorporate their clients’ stories and lives in the design. This can be applied to commercial work also, with Juno’s overall design mirroring the Japanese-Mexican fusion food. The atmosphere combines the vibrancy of Tokyo with the relaxed charm of Tulum. Hamilford used highly textured, natural materials such as seagrass wall coverings, (by Casamance, Pierre Frey and Arte) bespoke timber worktops and bamboo elements to bridge between two design cultures. The choice of design materials; earthy elements such as linen walls juxtaposed with smooth metals and woods, all contribute to a sustainable design approach aligned with Juno’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices. It was important to the design team that the ethos of the restaurant was mirrored in the design itself. Only a certain number of fish are caught to prevent overfishing, to protect species.
The centerpiece upon pulling across the curtain is a stunning bamboo light fixture on the back wall. It sits in a curved recess and provides an interesting shadow on the back wall. The design team wanted to create a discussion point for diners, the light can be perceived to be like an eye, however some people think it is reminiscent of the sun seen through water.
Juno is a realm of darkness and drama, deliberately setting the stage for a captivating dining experience.