The newly designed Hélène Darroze at The Connaught restaurant opened today (October 1, 2019). The space was re-imagined space in conjunction with the restaurant’s 10th anniversary, It was designed by Paris-based interior architect Pierre Yovanovitch.
Incidentally, Pierre Yovanovitch founded his Paris-based design atelier in 2001 after a career as a menswear designer for Pierre Cardin. Since then, he was been following his passion for interior architecture and design.
The famous Hélène Darroze at The Connaught restaurant will feature a brand new menu rooted in Hélène Darroze’s award-winning culinary style (obviously not tested yet by Cosmopolis). In addition to a refurbished interior, the restaurant will feature a new Armagnac Room as well as an exclusive Chef’s Table food and wine-pairing experience.
View of the newly-designed Hélène Darroze at The Connaught restaurant. Photo copyright: The Connaught, Mayfair, London.
Yovanovitch designed the space in a way that both reflects the sophisticated, yet imaginative nature of Hélène Darroze’s cuisine as well as her femininity and light spirit. In parallel, respecting the historic context of the hotel, Yovanovitch sought to find a balance between tradition and a newfound contemporary soul. Lightening the existing dark wood paneling, transforming the existing plasterwork to a warm pink gradient colour and installing soft, curved and colourful furniture throughout, Yovanovitch balances the line between playful, feminine and contemporary whilst maintaining the traditional values of the hotel.
“It was an honor to be tasked with the re-design of Hélène Darroze at The Connaught,” says Pierre Yovanovitch. “The design of the restaurant is, in many ways, a reflection of Helene’s cuisine, with elegance and exceptional, locally-sourced quality at the core of the space. The interior combines hand worked woods, ceramics, blown glass as well as contemporary craft techniques all custom made from artisan makers located throughout Europe.”
Keeping with the historic integrity of the hotel, the redesigned space takes cues from the menu by using deep hues as well as rich textiles and woods to create a refined yet comforting experience. Furthermore, Yovanovitch and Darroze’s distinctly similar backgrounds, as French creatives both rooted in traditional craft yet dedicated to contemporary flair, offers a one-of-a-kind meal for restaurant guests.
Yovanovitch and his team of designers worked with speciality craftsmen to custom make nearly every element of the interior, from the floor coverings, to the waiter stations, table and chairs to the lighting. Custom floor coverings add depth and warmth to the space while bespoke ceiling lights made of hand-blown glass and wrought iron lacquered in blue light the space. The banquette seating are upholstered in leather and velvet and the custom tables are made of oak and ceramic with a lacquered metal base.
In addition to the main dining space, Pierre Yovanovitch and team designed the Chef’s Table dining area with Terrazzo flooring, contemporary light oak wood panelling and a fresco commissioned by Pierre by artist Rochegaussen. Chairs in the space were specially created by Yovanovitch along with the table with pink marble top and patinated metal base. The sconces and suspension lighting in the Chef’s Table were custom works created by Matteo Gonet.
View of the newly-designed Hélène Darroze at The Connaught restaurant. Photo copyright: The Connaught, Mayfair, London. Recommended book by Peter King: The Connaught Story. Hardcover, 1997. Order the book from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Amazon.de.
“Pierre and I immediately bonded over this project,” says Darroze. “He shared my love and respect for the incredible artisanal suppliers we work with. The re-design of the restaurant celebrates this craftsmanship. The touch of femininity and lightness he has introduced to the restaurant allows me to present my menus at their very best and shine a light on these producers, and my incredible team is honoured with the new Chef’s Table.”
Hélène Darroze at the Connaught originally opened in 2009, earning a Michelin star six months after opening, with the second following in 2011. Darroze’s new menu which will debut in conjunction with the re-opening which draw sharper focus on British producers and suppliers.
Chef Hélène Darroze and designer Pierre Yovanovitch. Photo copyright: The Connaught, Mayfair, London.
Check our history of The Connaught hotel in Mayfair, London. Recommended book by Peter King: The Connaught Story. Hardcover, 1997. Order the book from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Amazon.de.
Article added on October 1, 2019 at 16:26 Swiss time.
