‘Create affordable luxury in beautiful surroundings.’ That was the hospitality design brief given to Robert Kolenik by the owners of Restaurant De Werf.

This charming, historic building is now a cosy, elegant restaurant. It has the capacity for over 80 covers inside and at least 180 covers outside on its stunning waterside terrace. The existing interior and routing were given a rigorous overhaul to create today’s hospitality design. ‘The first floor, which once housed a boutique and an office, is now designed for lunching and dining. But the space can also be used for intimate private dining.’ The boutique that used to share the ground floor space with the restaurant has been relocated to an adjacent building. Moreover, it echoes the look and feel of the restaurant.

Design furniture

All the furniture – with the exception of the bar stools and lighting – are bespoke Kolenik designs for De Werf. The interior designer has his own furniture range and his expertise with comfortable seating has been harnessed here. The colour palette is refined and understated and materials such as blued steel, wood and leather have been used. These lend the interior that surprising edge that you would expect from a Kolenik design. The restaurant design also seamlessly blends in with the menu, which is international and based on classic French cuisine with a modern twist.

©KOLENIK