Woods Hardwick’s Harrods/Studio Frantzén Project Wins at Restaurant & Bar Design Awards

Woods Hardwick have won a top international prize for its Harrods/Studio Frantzén project at the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards 2023.

Studio Frantzén is a two-storey Asian/Nordic-influenced rooftop dining concept in partnership with multi-Michelin star chef, Bjorn Frantzén, and is set within the fifth and sixth floors of the iconic Grade II* listed Harrods store in Knightsbridge, London.

The project won the top prize for the ‘In Another Space’ category for Europe which highlights hospitality spaces in anything, from ships to airports, museums to burger vans and trains to cinemas.

Judge Michael Goodman, who is the Co-Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, The Dandy Collection in Asia, commented: ‘Really nice thought process. A few unexpected decisions that I really liked. Great use of graphics and art.’

Woods Hardwick delivered the executive architecture and planning permission for the project alongside Joyn Studio with the luxury restaurant officially opening a year ago in November 2022.

Woods Hardwick have been working with Harrods for 30 years and Studio Frantzén was one of its biggest projects of 2022 alongside the Christian Dior Christmas lights display for the world leading retailer.

The design space was focussed on a luxurious and modern interpretation of Scandinavian design with exclusive combinations of rustic and natural elements that offer unique spaces and experiences with a theatrical open kitchen.

Open until late, with an incredible rooftop terrace, the space houses over 150 seats and diners can expect a fully immersive experience.

Echoing the aesthetic of the flagship Michelin star restaurant Frantzén in Stockholm, everything from the music and bespoke tableware to the hand-painted mural has been meticulously designed to create a harmonious atmosphere.

There’s a buzzing dining area lined with intimate booths, a private dining area, and space at the kitchen counter promising a front-row seat to culinary excellence.

The project brought several challenges Woods Hardwick worked through in Harrods Grade II* listed building which has strict planning and design conditions.

The independent practice’s planning team were successful in gaining approval for the panoramic external terrace where there have been alterations to the protected street views in the Hans Town Conservation Area.

Internally the executive architects also had to tackle the integration of an experimental open kitchen with an open charcoal fire and ventilation system through a historic building.

The Restaurant & Bar Design Awards were founded by Marco Rebora and are one of the most important and influential design competitions for food and beverage spaces worldwide.

Now in its 15th year, it recognises and celebrates the world’s most creative spaces and the people behind them.

The judging panel of global luminaries from the world of design, hospitality and media reviewed 1130 entries from 61 countries across 37 categories, resulting in a shortlist of 258 projects.

The category winners were announced across the week commencing 4 September 2023 with the awards ceremony taking place last night at Florattica in London on 19 October 2023.

Michelin star chef Björn Frantzén commented at the time of opening: “The UK was my home for a long time and London is a very important city to me, to which I am very proud to be back in.

“It’s not easy to stand out here, but Joyn Studio has yet again created an outstanding space. We have great trust in each other, and once again they have exceeded my expectations.”

Calum Wilson, director for commercial architecture at Wood Hardwick, said: “The Restaurant & Bar Design Awards are a globally renowned awards which showcases the best designers around the world – it’s a fantastic recognition for the Woods Hardwick, Joyn Studios and Harrods teams to be named winner of the ‘In Another Space’ category.

Diane Cox, associate director for commercial architecture at Woods Hardwick, added: “We’re incredibly privileged to help deliver Studio Frantzén at Harrods. We’re proud of the final design and planning outcomes of the space in one of the UK’s most iconic Grade II* listed buildings.”

Studio Frantzén was delivered by:

• Harrods – Venue
• Joyn Studio – Designers
• Woods Hardwick – Executive Architects & Planning
• Jaysam – Contractors
• EMMAUS Consulting –  Project Manager and Cost Consultants.
• Dowling Blunt – Mechanical & Electrical Consultants
• WSP – Structural Engineering
• Lighting Design International – Lighting Designers
• SHW-Design – Kitchen Designers