Introducing Crafthouse and Angelica

Conran and Partners’ latest projects are a brace of restaurants in Leeds.

Situated at the top of Trinity Leeds – one of the biggest urban development projects in Europe – Crafthouse and Angelica command impressive views of the city and of the nearby Grade I-listed Holy Trinity Church.

The interior of Crafthouse, on the fifth floor, pays homage to Leeds’ proud history in the textile industry, with space dividers inspired by wool looms and ceiling rafts reminiscent of fabric reams.

An open kitchen faces onto the restaurant’s dark oak interior, and bespoke pieces from Leeds-based artists hang on the walls.

Meanwhile Angelica, a grand café comprising an informal restaurant and cocktail bar on the sixth bar, is a brighter, more open space, with a central pewter bar and light oak flooring. Its overall feel is inspired by the all-weather garden terrace that wraps around the space. The garden features lush planting designed by Nicola Lesbirel, and commands impressive views of the city and Trinity church.

Tina Norden, Associate Director at Conran and Partners, described the design concept:

“We wanted our design to reflect Leeds’ past and present – both its great industrial heritage, and its vibrant present.

“In Crafthouse, we’ve used a palette of heavy materials – oak, marble, dark leather, black ceramics and patinated zinc – to create an industrial feel. Room dividers inspired by looms nod to Leeds’ central role in the textile industry.

“This contrasts with Angelica, a less formal space, decorated in a palette of natural colours, chrome and light wood, and with a landscaped garden terrace sweeping around the outside.

“Leeds is a major creative hub, and we enlisted the help of local artists and a local brand design agency to bring Crafthouse and Angelica to life.”

More here.