Japanese at its best

29th May 2009, 2:56pm

YO! Sushi Whiteley's shut its doors to the public seven weeks ago to undergo a full refurbishment. Designer Philip Watts explained how he sought inspiration from latest Japanese retail trends to completely transform the restaurant.

Background of Philip Watts Design:

Philip has been working with YO! Sushi since 2005, designing 17 unique restaurants and incorporated various signature design features. Winner of FX magazine interior design practice of the year 2007, Philip Watts Design is an unconventional design company with prolific product and interior teams.

What was your aim when designing this venture?

Our brief was to transform the restaurant giving it some exciting new design features influenced by a recent trip to Tokyo, bringing it bang up to date.

How did you achieve this?

The stools are from Alermuir, and Tom Dixon mirror ball light fittings were cleverly mixed in with the ceiling mirrors.

What would you describe as the key and unique features?

We removed the boring grid ceiling and painted the soffit beyond black and then dropped in 40 con-vexed security mirrors. We also wrapped the walls in bespoke vinyl graphics with a Japanese theme and created a bespoke sculptural entrance structure. In the rear windows the graphic wall treatments were carried on to some vertical banners, very typical of Tokyo.

Does your team have a particular style?

We always strive to amuse and entertain, we normally add a sense of fun to most of our interiors.

Stage by stage, how did you approach this project?

1. Tour Tokyo for 5 days
2. Brief from Yo!sushi
3. Consider the budget
4. Sketches.
5 Full 3D computer visuals
6 CAD drawings
7. Get builder to build it.
8 Done

Final comment on the venue?

I hope it look as exciting as the food offering.

What is the size of the venue?

140 m2

How long did the project take, from start to finish?

7 weeks

Fit out cost?

Refurbishment approx £150k

What are your recent projects?

We are currently working on two restaurants for YO!Sushi in Scotland, which will be the 18th and 19th restaurant for them. Other projects include the kingly club, various Bistot pierres and Ego restaurants.

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• 06 Apr 2009 - YO! Sushi serves up an integrated payment system