bartholomeus

This beachfront restaurant was designed to replace a Michelin-starred establishment by the same owner – a chef who decided to reimagine his business in the Belgian seaside town of Knokke-Heist, from a more formal experience to a more intimate, casual eatery. To create a welcoming and relaxed environment, the design is centred around the bar and an open plan arrangement that visually connects kitchen and dining area. Guests can sit around the bar, which fits about twenty chairs. This was conceived to evoke the feelings of warmth and ease that prevail when eating at home, perched by a kitchen island, chatting to the host, while they cook. The bespoke bar stools are produced by Giobagnara – a twist on the company’s Lloyd armchair that adds longer legs and a leather base. The seating is matched by a tailor-made counter design that includes a drawer for every guest, which contains the cutlery and napkins they will need. The interior is composed of surfaces in different natural stones, such as travertine and Ceppo. A bronze textured column provides a colour accent.