A unique cultural story with authenticity in every detail
A place to eat and a living narrative shaped by culture, memory, and colour.
An impactful bar area in an intimate lower ground set within a railway arch
Evolving a Beloved Brand
Comptoir Libanais is known for colour, warmth, and authenticity. Our role was to evolve that identity and retain its energy while introducing a more mature, grounded expression. Natural planting, family photographs of founder Tony Kitous, and artwork sourced from across the Arabic world deepen the narrative, connecting food, culture, and personal history. The palette is bold yet softened. Rich textures and layered details create a space that feels expressive without overwhelming designed to invite guests in rather than shout for attention.
Designing with the Building, Not Against It
The unique architecture presented a clear contrast: with a bright, fully glazed upper level and a more intimate lower ground set within a railway arch. Our response was to improve clarity and flow. By relocating the main entrance, we created a welcoming threshold with immediate views to the open kitchen and the lower level beyond. A continuous tiled floor links the two spaces, guiding movement naturally. Below ground, where daylight is limited, a striking sculptural, tree-like installation becomes the heart of the room wrapped in planting and warm light, anchoring the space and drawing guests inward. Booth seating and curated artwork line the perimeter, creating moments of intimacy within a larger, animated setting.
Sustainability as Part of the Story
Sustainability was approached with intent, not compromise. Existing furniture was reused and reworked through cleaning, repainting, and the addition of digital artwork. Lighting was drawn from Comptoir Libanais’ own collection of pieces sourced from across the Arab world, repurposed to add authenticity and continuity. In areas affected by previous water ingress within the railway arch, brickwork was selectively clad to manage drainage, while sections were left exposed to retain character. Climbing ivy softens these surfaces, blurring the boundary between architecture and nature.
From Day to Night, Inside and Out
Comptoir Libanais Southbank is designed to shift with the day. From morning coffee to post-theatre drinks, the space adapts to its audience. A bar positioned at the rear of the lower ground introduces a sense of theatre and signals the brand’s evolution into a confident day-to-night destination.
Outside, the terrace extends the experience into the public realm. Framed by planting and vibrant furniture, it brings Comptoir’s signature colour and warmth to the busy Southbank walkway.
This is more than a place to eat. It is a living narrative shaped by culture, memory, and movement. Through considered design and authentic storytelling, Comptoir Libanais Southbank becomes an immersive expression of Middle Eastern hospitality, rooted in place and alive with character.
A space that welcomes, nourishes, and lingers — long after the last plate is cleared.
Comptoir Libanais is a truly immersive experience, with a strong base of existing customers who love their restaurants not only for their food, but for making people feel like they’ve stepped into a whole different part of the world. It has a colourful décor which stands out on the high street, coupled with bright flora and displays of adornments inspired by travels to the Middle East and North Africa. We wanted to stay true to the brand while helping it take the natural next step in their evolution. If you look across the high streets, it’s the restaurants which have learnt to evolve in a considered way which have stood the test of time, and this is what we hope to do with the team at Comptoir.
Below ground, where daylight is limited, a sculptural, tree-like installation becomes a centre piece of the space.
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Let’s create something unforgettable
Fuelled by knowledge and imagination, we are driven by our ambition to evolve hospitality brands.
