Nosh & Quaff, in Birmingham's bustling financial district, is the newest addition to independant restaurant developers, The Lasan Group's growing portfolio. Lobster is the star of the show on the menu, complemented by gourmet burgers, hot dogs and ribs. With customers needing to request cutlery, the menu is summed up by the hashtag #letsgetmessy.

 The challenge

Keane Design Associates were appointed as the main designers and contractors for the refurbishment of the Grade II listed building which spans four floors and was originally a bank.

The design team wanted to retain many of the historic features of the building whilst developing a relaxed atmosphere for diners where they could enjoy high quality food without feeling pretentious.

The interior was stripped back, with false walls removed and the natural marble of the building allowed to act as a statement feature, especially in the main dining area where the original floors, marble walls and ceiling were revealed and emphasised.

Brian Hawkins from Keane Design Associates said:

"We wanted to merge the classic, original features of the former bank with an industrial edge to create a venue which was inviting and cosy yet chic and urban at the same time.

"To achieve this we used a wide range of metal and leather furniture as well as exposed brickwork and metal panelling. We had worked with Chantelle Lighting on previous industrial themed projects and knew their passion for interpreting a brief and creating some unique lighting features would help us to bring together all the different elements of our designs."

The solution

Chantelle Lighting managing director Anthony Holly proposed combining some of the clear glass pendant from Chantelle's District range with some bespoke industrial pendants and floor lamps.

"We were delighted with the designs that were put together by Chantelle Lighting," said Brian Hawkins.

"The clear glass pendants complemented the original Victorian tiles in the corridor leading to the toilets as well as the brown leather booths whilst the bespoke industrial pendants and lamps are definitely a talking point of the venue.

"We wanted the lighting to make a big impact and the nine huge steel pendants and three metre high floor lamps which were designed and manufactured by the team at Chantelle Lighting definitely achieve this.

"The pendants look really impressive hanging from piping on the ceiling, with the exposed filament bulbs dotted between them. With original ceiling coving exposed above the lights, there is a real balance between old and new, classic and industrial; exactly the look we wanted Chantelle to help us achieve."

The result

Nosh & Quaff opened at the end of July and has already received outstanding reviews from customers and the local media, with feedback including "the decor is stylish and welcoming", "the place looks superb with beautiful interiors" and "the lighting is pretty spectacular, from caged bulbs in the Victorian basement to industrial metal lampshades and neon lighting in the diner."