The White Lion Restaurant and Bar is a grade II listed building, part of the Avon Gorge hotel, famous for its unparalleled terrace views of the river Avon and the Brunel designed Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
The completion of this six week redesign and refurbishment by Dexter Moren Associates marks the first phase of Malmaison Hotel du Vin’s major investment programme into the historic property.
The clients brief was for our ID team to create a fresher, more contemporary feel for the White Lion, with the ambiance of a modern restaurant and bar while retaining all the character of the original venue.
With such an iconic view, our team proposed a concept which references the industrial history of Bristol and the mechanical materials and form of the suspension bridge.
The redesigned composition of the bar has increased spatial efficiency; by moving the entrance slightly closer to that of the hotel and by replacing the old central bar structure with a new brass topped focal point bar in line with the wall.
An iron antique style station clock hangs behind the bar with hanging spoked brass light fixtures resembling suspension. The walls have been painted charcoal grey, complemented by the brass topped bar and reclaimed artwork frames.
The soft lighting, wooden tables and old original stained hardwood floors combine to create a cosy atmosphere, contrasting with a striking central mosaic feature floor. The bathrooms reflect the Victoriana era with mosaic tiled floors, inset porcelain basins, satin brass taps and antique mirrors.
