Overview
Heritage Portfolio, who manage the café, envisioned an improved user experience in a multi-purpose space that could easily host casual day-time visitors, serve as a destination for small groups and meetings, and could transform at night to host larger gatherings and events.
Sitting within a grand, neo-gothic listed building with large arches internally as well as glazed arches that overlook Queen Street, the café was already a beautiful place to be, boasting an abundance of natural light and a spacious atmosphere. But the dated furniture and the challenges with the servery meant it didn’t provide the experience Heritage Portfolio wanted for their customers. This prestigious project involved transforming a tired space with a focus on improving the functional challenges and enhancing the customer experience.
Approach
Drawing inspiration from John Bellany’s ‘Queen Street Café’, we developed our design around the relationship between art and the experience of the café. We took reference to the painter’s palette and what colour can do to enliven a space, applying this concept throughout our design.
In the main space, we created three art installations in the existing lighting tracks that function as acoustic rafts. Featuring multi-coloured panels at different angles, these rafts not only address acoustic challenges but also complement the Gothic architecture. The furniture is a blend of new and reupholstered pieces, with pops of colour that send the beautiful palette throughout the space, enlightening the whole of the interior. We considered the different demographics who use the space, introducing a modern intervention with high benches and stools alongside the armchairs and banquettes to offer a variety of seating styles. All the furniture is flexible and can be moved around in a modular fashion accommodating a range of events from a ceilidh to dining experiences large and small.
The Nook, a small dining area adjacent to the servery, has been reimagined as a bookable table service experience that can also host private events. As a more intimate space, the dark patterned vinyl wallpaper and bespoke antique full-wall mirror create a more atmospheric feel.
To address functional challenges, we redesigned the servery counter by splitting it into two distinct zones: one dedicated to cakes and coffee and another for food service. This was complemented by a new service access point to improve staff workflow and reduce customer queuing times. When considering changes to the servery, we had to account for the space’s dual purpose, serving as a café during the day and a bar for private evening events. We completely changed the look and feel of the servery, giving it a back-illuminated Corian frontage with a wash that resembles paint within a water jar as well as changing the back gantry by introducing vertical timber and pops of colour. The hygiene screens have been designed to dismantle and be removed from the counters allowing for a clean line appropriate for a bar in an event space.
The refurbishment has successfully transformed Café Portrait into a refreshed, versatile venue that honours its historic setting, demonstrating how thoughtful design can enhance both form and function in a multi-purpose space.
