The Hare & Tortoise in Ealing, London, was the first of the group’s restaurants to be fully refurbished by S&Y Architects. With their business growing, the client seized the opportunity to increase the floor space by opening up the party wall internally and extending into the space next door. This, in turn, allowed for a separate takeaway area, which was desperately needed.

As well as carrying out the space planning, SAY Architects completely re-branded the restaurant: The style and concept, inspired by the Japanese landscapes, was introduced here in Ealing and further developed later in the group’s other branches. The interiors draw influence from Japanese partitions and screens, and their associated patterns. The palette is predominantly natural, with grey and beige tones, while a vibrant orange high-gloss lacquer was introduced in the entrance area as a quirky counterpoint.