David Collins Studio has created brand new interiors for The Georgian restaurant, a luxury tearoom and dining experience located on the 4th floor of Harrods. Originally opened in 1911 and updated in 1928, historic Grade II listed features – including crystal chandeliers, lay light, coffered ceiling frieze, and ornamental wrought ironwork – have been restored and harmoniously integrated within the new scheme.
By day, The Georgian offers a unique afternoon tea experience befitting the store’s rich tea merchant history. Evening service features a dinner menu of British classics overseen by chef Calum Franklin. Throughout, guests are treated to a theatrical culinary experience of innovative gastronomy and live music performances, with dishes prepared and served tableside from Art Deco-inspired trolleys.
Luxury Restaurant Design Inspired by Art Deco
Paying homage to Harrods’ rich history as a tea retailer and the original 1911 restaurant, David Collins Studio’s interiors for The Georgian are inspired by Art Deco glamour and theatricality. The original decorative curved and moulded ceiling anchors the dining space and provides inspiration for the design language throughout. Jewel-toned amethyst purple drapery and upholstery sit alongside an opulent palette of cream and champagne neutrals, polished brass, and mirror finishes. Bespoke geometric and polka dot patterned flooring speaks to Deco-era decadence, whilst curvilinear and scalloped forms add whimsy.
Simon Rawlings, Chief Creative Officer at David Collins Studio says: “I can think of no better place to experience the great tradition of afternoon tea than at Harrods, in the lavish grandeur of the original Georgian Restaurant. Our vision from the outset was to create a venue like no other – one which revolved around the performance of tea service, music, and theatrical wonder. Curated to ensure every guest is treated to the ultimate experience, whilst sitting beneath a twinkling canopy of crystal, whilst servers and trolleys promenade around the room with exacting precision. An opportunity to highlight the exquisite edible creations, sip on the finest of teas, and champagnes in the ultimate surroundings. The tea experience we have all dreamt of.”
An illuminated alabaster stepped portal flanked by two full-height AV screens displaying digital signage greets guests as they arrive on the fourth floor. Stone steps with decorative bespoke crystal and polished brass chain-link balustrade and handrail lead up to the arrival, whilst mirrored glass panels line the walls. A circular host desk at the top of the stairs is realized in an opulent mirror-backed glass and mother of pearl polka dot, with a scalloped Bianco Carrara marble top. The entry floor features a radial large-scale polka dot design in Bianco Carrara and Nero Marquina marbles, a contemporary take on traditional cabochon tiled flooring. Overhead, original chandeliers have been retained and updated with fluted glass shades.
The Gallery is a new circulatory corridor to the outer perimeter of the restaurant, created to provide privacy to diners and allow store visitors access to the retail spaces beyond. Opulent monochromatic and reflective surface materials define the space, in white high gloss lacquer, backlit onyx, and mirror-backed glass. The walls are wrapped in panels of cream moiré fabric with polished brass trim, whilst Art Deco-inspired stained-glass windows provide glimpses into the restaurant. The monochromatic marble radial polka dot floor extends from the arrival here.
Restaurant (140 covers / 383 sq. m)
Beyond the host desk, deep purple velvet draped curtains are pulled back to reveal the restaurant. Oriented around the original ceiling and its striking curved coffer, an abundance of historic and new chandeliers hang in clusters at varying heights in the room’s center, infusing the space with a delicate fairytale-like glow from day to night.
Cocktail Bar and Private Dining
A discreet opening to the dining room periphery leads to an intimate 6-seat cocktail bar, reclaimed from back-of-house storage. The black and white polka dot marble floor continues from the restaurant perimeter, whilst the bar itself is crafted from illuminated glass and polished brass with a Calacatta Viola marble top, chosen for its unique mauve-hued veining.
In addition to two semi-private dining booths in the room’s corners, two elevated 10-person private dining areas are positioned on either side of the cocktail bar. Faceted walls are lined in metallic two-toned fabric that oscillates between gold and silver as it interacts with the light.
Terrace (30 covers / 132 sq. m)
Accessed via The Gallery, The Georgian benefits from a 30-seat outdoor bar and terrace. The department store’s existing terracotta façade and iron railings are updated with decorative wall lights and climbing planting. Custom black and white polka dot tiling lines the floor, whilst a retractable dark bronze pergola covers the space. The bar elegantly mirrors the form of the building’s arched windows, in mirror and purple tile. The bar top is crafted in Calacatta Viola marble with a delicate scalloped edge, whilst the front is deep purple tile and mirror. Lounge and dining chairs are upholstered in a deep lavender fabric.
Harrods: A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
Harrods has been serving customers from its Knightsbridge store since 1849. The store is the world’s ultimate luxury emporium, home to more than 3,000 curated brands, over 21 dining destinations, and expert services spanning fashion, home, beauty, and wellness. In addition, Harrods serves customers via harrods.com, H beauty, airport stores, and hospitality destinations in China and Qatar. Guided by its philosophy of “anything is possible,” Harrods ensures unparalleled experiences with every visit.
Location 87-135 Brompton Rd, London
Interior design David Collins Studio
Photo credit Alex Upton