{"id":14643,"date":"2024-04-16T15:51:13","date_gmt":"2024-04-16T14:51:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.weareharrison.com\/?p=14643"},"modified":"2024-04-25T12:41:04","modified_gmt":"2024-04-25T11:41:04","slug":"comptoir-libanais-open-its-doors-in-the-uk-at-londons-southbank","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weareharrison.com\/comptoir-libanais-open-its-doors-in-the-uk-at-londons-southbank\/","title":{"rendered":"Comptoir Libanais opens its doors at London\u2019s Southbank with an incredible new look."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Arpril 2024 will see the 20th<\/sup>\u00a0Comptoir Libanais<\/a>\u00a0open its doors at London\u2019s Southbank. Known for bringing lovingly prepared Lebanese food to diners,\u00a0Comptoir Group<\/a>\u00a0challenged\u00a0Harrison<\/a>, the full service 360 brand and design agency, to evolve the brand whilst retaining the distinctive, colourful, fun personaility that Comptoir Libanais has become known and loved for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The team wanted the design solution to incorporate layers of Middle East authenticity and elegance. At the same time, we faced the challenge of a multi-level space which offered incredible natural light and visibility on the upper floor, but a dark and atmospheric environment in the lower level which was at risk of not being inviting for customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emily Betty, Design Manager and Senior Interior Designer at Harrison, comments: \u201cComptoir 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\u2019ve stepped into a whole different part of the world. It has a colourful, vibrant d\u00e9cor 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\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it came to the design, Harrison wanted to ensure authenticity shone through. Bold but muted walls are the perfect background for carefully sourced artwork. Many of the lighting fixtures have also been sourced from Comptoir\u2019s extensive store of curated pieces. A decorative tiled floor finish runs from the ground floor all the way to the back of the lower ground space, connecting the two spaces together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a focus on sustainability, the Harrison team looked to repurpose and up-cycle items wherever possible. This included using existing tables, and restoring them by cleaning, painting and applying digital art to the tops. This is coupled with reusing furniture from   previous Comptoir Libanais sites and stores to ensure nothing is wasted and minimise the level of new items needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe new Comptoir Libanais is occupying a large space \u2013 with a unit size of 315 sqm. We needed to develop a design which not only flows and feels like one unified space but could take diners from breakfast through to cocktail hour\u201d: adds Emily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt the same time, functionality in a busy location had to be a priority for the team. We\u2019ve tried to incorporate maximum flexibility with lots of two-seater tables which can be pushed together as needed for larger parties, as well as a large table on the ground floor which can be used for big bookings or as a sharing table. Features such as creating an attractive bar at the back of the lower ground not only allows easy access for their team, but for guests it\u2019s a space which creates a vibrant theatre downstairs as bartenders and cocktail masters create delectable drinks while signalling that Comptoir is a day-to-night offer, with bottles in pride of place. Even the simplest of features will have a purpose and likely more than one job to do in this hard-working but beautiful restaurant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nick Ayerst, CEO at Comptoir added: \u201cWhen we appointed Harrison we wanted to embark on a journey of evolution \u2013 taking our brand, which has worked hard to serve customers and introduce them to Levan cooking since 2008, and look forward to where we want it to be in the future. It\u2019s about growth and ensuring we stay at the forefront of the restaurant and dining scene. Translated, Comptoir Libanais means \u2018Lebanese Counter’ \u2013 and we feel Harrison has encapsulated this perfectly in the new design. The new Southbank restaurant is a friendly, generous and relaxed space which we feel will truly take people on that journey of our heartland through the d\u00e9cor and our food.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Design Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intertwining a considered layout with clever design at the new Comptoir Libanais was a priority for the Harrison team when approaching the brief, to ensure a cohesive flow throughout all of the spaces which would attract customers to both levels across all points of the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n