Restaurant - Yauatcha
This relaxed fine dining restaurant and terrace opened in Riyadh, Feb 2020. It provides an all-day grazing experience with contemporary influence and offers 19 types of tea in a sumptuous location. The fusion of dim sum, mixology, tea and european patisserie creates a social experience that reflects the modern day spirit of the Teahouse. The sheltered terrace area offers views of Olaya Street and outdoor locations like this are highly sought after in the area. The large restaurant is subdivided into more inimate spaces inside and offers private dining too.
The central dining space is flexible to acommodate groups of all sizes. Decorative creens and displays of tea caddies and china criss-cross the space to create more intimate environments. Additional screens would’ve been beneficial for smaller enclaves but would’ve reduced flexibility.
The space between the tables in the central dining space was debated with the client. A dense layout can provide animation and energy but some people prefer to have a feeling of space. The right balance depends on the type of service, the desired atmosphere, the location of the restaurant and the expectation of their patrons.
These private rooms (above) are ideal for social or business gatherings. This private dining room has a sliding-folding wall so it can connect with the adjacent one to hire out for larger groups and intergrated TV screens are available for use.
New non-alcoholic cocktails were developed for the moody and intimate juice bar, with a strong focus on flavour and presentation they are proving popular.
The bespoke furniture includes embroidered details that are refined. These are included sparingly to achieve the right balance.
There are many layers to the detailing of this space. The teahouse inspired ceilings create interest and animation, two different screen designs add variety and filtered light and the bespoke joinery creates framed views.
The journey up to the restaurant is via this intricate stair, similar to the London City Restaurant. The view of the chery blossom tree changes as you walk around it, guests feel like they are walking into the trees canopy. When they reach the upper level they are greeted by the Patisserie, they can pause to look at the beautifully crafted desserts while their coats are being stored.
Developing an outdoor terrace was a key feature of the design. By including retractable shading and permanent shelter from the breeze we were able to maximise the amount of time people could relax on the terrace in the daytime and the evening.
The outdoor bar adds more annimation to the space and a sense of theatre too. During pleasant weather the glazing between the restaurant and the terrace can open up so that the two spaces become more fluid
The original Yauatcha design identity was developed by Christian Liagre and this was the 8th one to be built. We benefitted from accrued knowledge from the wider team about joinery and furniture detailing as well as the kitchen design.
While working on this project I was concurrently directing the interior design for the retail mall where this restaurant is situated so I had a the opportunity to adjust the restaurant size, the ceiling heights, the positioning of staircases, lifts and doors as well as the terrace facilities and floor finishes.
Image credits: All images on this page c/o Yauatcha.com
Collaborators - Warwick Hemmingway, Khue Thuy Tran, Bruno Venninger, Alan Clayton, Matt Brien, Richard Whitaker, Paul Nulty
