London & South East Premier Hospitality

Belgo Restaurant

Belgo
Written by Roma Publications

Belgo – Success at the double!

The outstanding interior of the new Belgo Restaurant within the recently refurbished Crowne Plaza Hotel at King’s Cross, London, has won designers Superfutures double recognition – a place on the shortlist in two categories of the Casual Dining Restaurant and Pub awards 2018.

Shortlisted in the Best Designed Casual Dining Restaurant of The Year (Under 20 Sites) and Best New Restaurant Site categories, Superfutures are ‘very excited’ about winning such coveted acclaim for the exceptional standard of their work on the Belgo Belgian bar and restaurant, which is located on the ground floor of the hotel with seating for 180 covers.

Belgo

Main Contractors for the scheme were Connor Construction, who were commended for their work.

The project was carried out for IHG, for whom Superfutures have undertaken a number of other schemes, including the Bloom restaurant at Crowne Plaza, Kings Cross, and another scheme for Stock Burger Co.

Kathrine H. Borresen, designer at Superfutures said: “Superfutures were engaged to develop the food and beverage concepts for the re-badged Crowne Plaza Hotel. This included the breakfast buffet restaurant which was developed in conjunction with Belgo. Insights into the Belgo brand were explored in order to best ascertain how best to bring these two concepts together in the one space.

“The new Crowne Plaza required a dynamic space which was to be used both as the hotel’s main breakfast buffet, while embodying a distinctive character which was to be in line with the Belgo brand.

“Existing brand hallmarks, as well as the introduction of new design icons and of course, adaptation to the locality, were all key considerations when developing the concept. Meeting the IHG brand criteria for a buffet breakfast space catering to 400-plus keys was also paramount for the functionality of the space.”

The large open space has been divided into three sections, with the bar and open kitchen as a prominent focal point of the restaurant.

The bar and kitchen have been designed as open spaces, displaying a vast range of product, encouraging interaction between guests and staff and providing of theatre for guests. Dining zones have been created with the use of fixed seating and screening, restricting sight lines and providing a sense of intimacy.

Kathrine Borresen commented: “The space has a laid-back yet engaging atmosphere where guests, hotel guests and local residents can come and share an authentic Belgian experience.

“A mix of large centralised banquettes, smaller booth seating and communal tables creates flexible yet sociable seating opportunities in various zones. All decorative lighting was custom-designed by Superfutures and manufactured by Into Lighting who also acted as lighting designers for the space.

“Framed glazed partitions assist to divide the space, while providing reference to both the Trappist Origins of the beers on tap and Belgium’s association with the Art Deco movement.”

The restaurant extends to an outdoor seating area, with a selection of fixed and loose furniture. There is also a series of branded awnings, along with new external signage.

Speaking of the challenges of the project, Katherine Borrenson added: “Working within an operational site always presents challenges, especially a site of this scale. Tight turn-arounds are also typical, but working with an engaged and motivated contractor made all the difference.

“We are very excited to be shortlisted for the award.”

Belgo

Connor Construction

Founded in 1989 by Eamon O’Connor, Connor Construction (Watford) Ltd specialise in refurbishment works for hotels, restaurants, bars, hospitals, stately homes and leisure projects.

The company has been in operation for 29 Years and within this time has built up a strong portfolio of clients, including Imperial London Hotels, Taj Hotels, IHG Group, Exclusive Hotels, IPA, London Bridge Hotel, Firoka Group, The Royal Garden Hotel (part of the Goodwood Group of Hotels), SW1 and Rydges Hotel, amongst others.

Connor Construction has delivered over 7,000 rooms on time and on budget in occupational hotels in the last 15 years and recently, the company has been involved with Firoka Group on the rebranding of the Crowne Plaza Hotel – Kings Cross. Working on this project, Connor Construction refurbished all floors of the hotel, which included over 400 bedrooms and bathrooms, the associated corridors, public areas, the reception, bar and the Belgo restaurant.

Connor Construction’s Managing Director, Eamon O’Connor, said:

“We have established a working relationship with Firoka and have worked with them now on several projects.”

Eamon added:

“At Connor Construction we pride ourselves on our working relationships with our clients. We strive to achieve exactly what the client wishes to accomplish.

“We are extremely proud of the work we produce as a company and the results we reach. We have every confidence that we can deliver as promised and see any project through to its successful completion.”

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Roma Publications