Andy Thornton Ltd has completed the design and fit-out of Le Bouchon in Oslo – in just seven weeks.
The French-style bistro captures the low-key glamour and grandeur of a 1930s Parisian brasserie with its use of lightly distressed oak, brass, muted colours and light.The brasserie is testament to the dedication and skill of the interior design and specialist joinery teams at Andy Thornton, who managed to complete the project in such a short space of time. The clients, Odexer AS, visited the company’s showrooms and workshops at the beginning of March and Le Bouchon opened at the end of April.
Le Bouchon’s unusual triangular wedge shape was an extra challenge that Andy Thornton designer Steve Shaw overcame by positioning seating, tables and the bar along the walls, all fanning out from the bespoke entrance doors at the narrowest point of the building. Classic Bistro bentwood stools also lined the bar for extra seating.
Andy Thornton also manufactured and fitted a curved bar with an inlaid brass counter top at the request of the client, who wanted something different but in keeping with Le Bouchon’s authentic brasserie style. The bar also boasts a panelled counter with timber nosing and carvings, mirrored back bar fittings with illuminated side panels and bespoke entrance doors. The doors have a black gloss paint finish, decorative etched glass panels and triple brass bar rails.
The bistro’s high and low fixed seating is also custom-made and fitted by the interior refurbishment specialists, who used lightly distressed European oak and red leather upholstery. This was complimented by Andy Thornton’s elegant Bistro bentwood side chairs and bar stools, which were also upholstered in red leather. The durable chairs are an iconic design classic and an ever popular choice for bars and restaurants.
The authentic brasserie look is completed by custom-made oak table tops, lions head table bases and brass pendants with opal light shades. Other subtle touches, such as the brass foot rail on the bar and brass push bars on the entrance doors all work to create a relaxing yet opulent atmosphere.
By day Le Bouchon is bright and airy with natural light flooding through its many large windows and reflecting off the brass bar top. And by night it comes alive with the yellow illuminated back bar and metalwork to give off an inviting, golden glow.
Andy Thornton offers full interior design and fit out services for the hospitality industry and has an extensive range of furniture for bars, restaurants and hotels.
