Successful hospitality design involves far more than creating additional floor space. It requires an understanding of how people experience a place, protecting the atmosphere that makes it special and ensuring the architecture supports both customer experience and business performance.
This philosophy shaped our transformation of Escabeche, a much-loved Spanish tapas restaurant in West Bridgford. Already known for its lively outdoor terrace and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, the restaurant had become a firm local favourite during the summer months. The challenge was to extend that experience throughout the year without losing the character that made the restaurant successful.
Extending the Terrace Experience
The existing terrace offered customers the feeling of dining outdoors beneath a lightweight timber pergola. However, its reliance on good weather limited its use during colder months, reducing the restaurant’s capacity when additional covers could have delivered significant commercial value. Rather than approaching the project as a straightforward extension, we focused on preserving Escabeche’s identity while introducing the comfort and flexibility of a year-round dining environment.
The new enclosure needed to feel light and open, rather than like a heavy addition attached to the front of the building. Drawing inspiration from the original pergola, we developed an architectural language that blurs the boundary between inside and outside.
A series of exposed timber elements extends across both the external dining area and enclosed restaurant space. Behind these, a highly insulated glazed structure provides year-round comfort, while carefully detailed timber linings conceal the structural roof system. The result creates a sense of continuity, allowing guests to remain visually connected beneath the same architectural language whether dining inside or out.
Technical Coordination Behind a Simple Design
Achieving this understated appearance required detailed technical coordination. Rather than relying on expensive bespoke glazing systems, we selected an off-the-shelf roof system and carefully coordinated its structural rhythm with the timber framework below.
The spacing of each roof member, glazing bar and timber lining required meticulous planning. These details allow the finished architecture to appear effortless, despite the technical complexity behind it.
The internal layout also required careful consideration. We tested seating arrangements, furniture dimensions and customer circulation throughout the design process, maximising capacity while maintaining generous movement and the relaxed atmosphere that defines Escabeche.
Creating a Flexible Connection to the Terrace
One of the project’s most demanding elements involved the fully opening six-panel bi-fold entrance. Tight site boundaries left virtually no margin for error, so we coordinated the wall positions and openings with precision to ensure the doors could fold completely clear within the available space. During warmer months, the entire frontage opens onto the existing terrace, restoring the open-air dining experience that customers already enjoyed. When the weather changes, the space can close to provide a comfortable year-round environment.
Elsewhere, a carefully positioned picture window frames views towards the nearby church spire, drawing natural light deeper into the dining area and strengthening the restaurant’s connection with its surroundings. The window also forms part of the building’s fire strategy, incorporating a 60-minute fire-rated glazed screen. This allowed the escape routes to function safely without compromising the openness of the interior.
Materials, Branding and Identity
Material selection played an important role in maintaining the lightness and character of the design. Soft green glazed tiles introduce texture, depth and subtle reflections, complementing the restaurant’s Mediterranean identity without overwhelming the existing building. Natural timber and generous glazing create an inviting environment that feels bright, relaxed and connected to the original terrace.
Our involvement also extended to the coordination of signage, branding and architectural elements. Using detailed 3D modelling, we tested the scale and placement of signs and graphics alongside the building’s proportions from the earliest stages.
This approach allowed the branding to become an integral part of the architecture rather than an afterthought, helping the completed restaurant feel cohesive in every detail.
A Restaurant Designed to Evolve
The completed project has transformed how Escabeche operates. By significantly increasing the number of covers while allowing its popular terrace to remain usable throughout the year, the extension supports the restaurant’s commercial ambitions without sacrificing its distinctive atmosphere.
Escabeche demonstrates how thoughtful commercial architecture can enhance an established business. By combining hospitality design, technical precision and a close understanding of customer experience, the project creates a space that feels as though it has always belonged—protecting the restaurant’s character while allowing it to evolve.
Considering a commercial or hospitality project?
We welcome conversations about how thoughtful architectural design can support your business, whether you are adapting an existing space, extending your premises or developing a new concept.
Contact us to talk about your project.
