EXPERIENCE COUNTS — If there has been one constant theme dominating the bar and leisure sector over the past couple of years, it has been ‘uncertainty’. Steering through the storm that was the pandemic took the steadiest of hands, while today’s choppy waters show no sign of abating in the face of infl ation, staff shortages and the cost-of- living crisis.
However, the innovative do not see problems, only challenges, and so, as well as speaking to some of the designers who are very much operating in the sector, we survey a few examples of projects that have leapt signifi cant hurdles to come up with bold solutions for increasingly radical clients. From user-friendly tech-based ordering systems to evolving establish brands, and from a balanced blend of old and new, to a project that demanded the very highest-level sustainability credentials to match Royal Garden surroundings, there is no room for the mediocre in a super-competitive sector that has always demanded maximum value for every pound of investment.
This image The Alchemist cocktail bar and restaurant in Spinningfields, Manchester, puts together a theatrical and immersive all-day drinking and dining experience
Holly Hallam, managing director at DesignLSM, believes that a multitude of factors are helping to reshape bar and restaurant design into even more of an ‘experience’ business…
Q&A
Holly Hallam DesignLSM
Please tell us a little about the DesignLSM story, its involvement in bar and restaurant design, as well as your own background and path to a career in the sector? DesignLSM is a multi-disciplined creative agency specialising in strategy, branding, interior design and architecture for a diverse portfolio of world-class brands within the hospitality industry. Established in 1988, the studio has a great wealth of experience, both operationally and strategically, with a strong UK and international presence, expanding to Europe, Central Asia, South East Asia and North America – launching our fi rst satellite offi ce in Dubai following a growing demand of our services in the Middle East.
About two years ago, I took over from the previous managing director and am now the proud co-owner of DesignLSM. I have a background in fi lm, commerce and marketing, typically focusing on understanding how to build emotional connections with the end-user, be that someone watching a fi lm, buying a product or eating in a restaurant. When I started working at DesignLSM, I introduced a
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