Imad's Syrian Kitchen

One of the most famous chefs in Damascus, the civil war caused Imad to flee to Europe where he started a pop-up restaurant and donated all proceeds to charity, before opening one of London’s best restaurants. After securing a larger venue earlier this year, OWN LONDON were commissioned to reimagine the restaurant design. The artisan-focused design concept takes its cues from Imad’s personal journey from Damascus to London, and his philosophy of using food as a cultural exchange, bringing people closer together.

Inspired by traditional Syrian architecture and ‘courtyard homes’, the restaurant’s interior design evokes the feeling of a Syrian courtyard and a convivial destination for food, music and dancing.

Maximising the restaurant venue’s tall ceilings, different styles of Syrian arches were constructed to continue a visual language rooted in vernacular architecture. The essence of a Syrian Kitchen is brought to life through a smoked glass partition that enables guests to enjoy subtle glimpses of shadows and movement as their food is prepared by Imad and his team.

Several Syrian artists were commissioned to create bespoke pieces, including hand painted miniature murals by depicting a scene of Apricot trees and water features in gold leaf – in the style of ‘Paradise Gardens’ – often found in traditional Syrian courtyard homes. Other highlights that brought real meaning to the project include the striking artisanal lighting for the bar area; traditional vases were converted into lamps with handmade lamp shades using beautiful gold leaf woven fabric sourced by Imad’s wife during her very last visit to Syria.