Leading the UNI Sushi restaurant project, the Andrew Martin design team delivered everything from the concept, to the branding, to the installation of the interiors.
UNI was specially created with the knowledge that the chef has an interesting insight into traditional Japanese cuisine, mixing the art of sushi with Peruvian flavours. Nestled in the heart of London's Belgravia, the design scheme reflects this contemporary fusion whilst keeping in line with traditional Japanese style. It is discreet and intimate, like the Japanese culture, but with an important injection of contemporary luxury.
The inspiration for the scheme and furniture of UNI restaurant was borne from a commissioned artwork of a Japanese Geisha. In inky black and blossom pinks and reds, this is printed on an immense glass screen which, together with the corporate logo, meet you immediately when you walk through the door.
The modern, white interior showcases a marble bar top and walls and white leather stools. Typical bonsai trees and red Camapari bottle lights oscillate with white lamp shades in origami design, bringing traditional Japanese touches to the contemporary façade.
Frosted glass stairs lead you down to an intimate dining room where diners sit under a vaulted white ceiling, mottled with luxury gold leaf. The bench tops are cushioned in brown leather with smart red piping, alluding to an exclusive experience but in relaxed comfort. The restaurant takes its name from the Japanese word for sea urchin, a culinary Japanese delicacy;
and the design scheme mimes the flawless detail and imaginative creations of the food that is served here. The atmosphere created is one of casual, intimate dining but with the feel that each experience is uniquely curated for the guest. UNI boasts the vibrant colours, flavours and textures of the very best in 'Nikkei' cuisine and places it on the London scene.