Andalucia Tapas: A Fusion of Spanish Culture and Modern Design

Transforming a Family Restaurant into a Modern Tapas Eatery

The 30-year-old family-run restaurant underwent a major renovation, merging a former dining room with a neighboring property and a courtyard to create a spacious tapas eatery. The old courtyard was transformed into a restaurant area, featuring stone walls, large mechanical skylights, and a fully grown olive tree, paying homage to its previous use while connecting the private dining area with the new bar.

One of the standout features of Andalucia Tapas is the ham display cabinet made from Himalayan rock salt. This unique design not only showcases the specialty hams but also serves a practical purpose by absorbing moisture and purifying the air. The warm glow emitted from the backlit display case adds to the overall ambiance of the restaurant.

To further incorporate Andalucian culture, the design team incorporated elements inspired by Andalucian horses. Details such as horse bridle bits and suspended back cushions on the fixed seating create a subtle nod to the region's equestrian heritage. The private dining room, with its recreation of iron stud doors and a diamond-shaped timber with a brick floor pattern, exudes a cellar-like atmosphere, perfectly suited for intimate gatherings.

The expansion of Andalucia Tapas was no small feat. By utilizing an existing courtyard and incorporating a neighboring property, the overall area of the restaurant increased from 87 square meters to an impressive 214 square meters. The additional space allows for larger tables, providing customers with a more comfortable dining experience, while also improving accessibility for the staff.

Since its reopening, Andalucia Tapas has become a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The bar, accessible directly from the pavement, offers a vibrant atmosphere for bar snacks and drinks, while the bar and restaurant at the rear of the property exceed the client's expectations. The opening roof lights add a touch of alfresco dining, reminiscent of sunny days in southern Spain.

The project, which began in April 2016 in the Sussex village of Ferring, went through various stages of development. The design concept was approved in the summer of 2016, followed by the completion of technical drawings and specifications in December of the same year. Building works were finished in the summer of 2017, with the new restaurant opening its doors in October. The final stage, the Wine Bar, was completed in July 2018.

Andalucia Tapas has received recognition for its outstanding design. In 2019, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Hospitality, Recreation, Travel, and Tourism category. This prestigious award recognizes designs that are not only visually appealing but also practical and innovative, meeting professional and industrial requirements.