Mamma Roma – Main Restaurant Refresh 2025
Client Intro
This is a continuation of a long-standing relationship, with this restaurant originally completely redesigned by us back in 2015. Nearly ten years on, the client invited us back to undertake a full refresh, a testament to both the longevity of the original design and the trust built over time.
As with all our projects for this client, the focus was on creating a space that feels both commercially effective and emotionally engaging, while respecting the character and heritage of the building.
Project Scope / Client Brief
The brief was to refresh and elevate the main restaurant without losing the essence of what had made it so successful over the past decade. The space needed to feel current, more refined, and aligned with the evolving expectations of customers, while still retaining warmth and familiarity.
Rather than a complete redesign, this was about careful, considered updates; renewing surface materials, introducing new focal points, and subtly enhancing the overall experience without disrupting the flow of a well loved space.
The Property Challenges
One of the key challenges was balancing heritage with progression. The restaurant features original elements, including a traditional stone wall that the client felt strongly about preserving as a defining feature of the space.
However, as part of the wider refresh, it became clear that retaining this in its original form would limit the overall transformation and risk dating the new scheme. The challenge was not just design-led, but also about guiding the client through change and ensuring the final outcome felt both respectful and forward-thinking.
Our Interior Design Solution
This project is a great example of how thoughtful evolution can completely elevate a space.
We renewed the majority of surface materials, introducing a more refined and cohesive palette, and added new design features to create stronger focal points. The standout addition is the new contemporary bar, complete with bespoke glass hanging and bottle storage above and behind, designed to feel both functional and visually striking.
A key moment in the design was replacing the traditional stone wall with a bespoke antique mirror feature. By combining aged glass with rustic timber detailing, we were able to retain a sense of heritage while introducing a far more elegant and timeless finish.
With the help of detailed 3D visuals, we guided the client through this decision, ultimately achieving a space that feels fresher, more cohesive, and better aligned with the overall vision.
