Northamptonshire hospitality design specialists Jones AD have completed a new design for a restaurant and VIP lounge in The Cumberland Hotel – the iconic hotel with a rock and roll history in an iconic location in the heart of London.
The latest stage in the hotel’s refurbishment has created two new spaces for guests – LÃrica, a vibrant contemporary Spanish restaurant features small plates, authentic flavours and a lively atmosphere, while the new VIP lounge offers guests an elevated sanctuary within the buzzy West End hotel.
The Welford-based Jones AD team has unveiled their considered redesign of existing hotel space – tailored to reflect the LÃrica brand as part of the transformation, it delivers a warm, sociable and design-led destination restaurant with more than a hint of Ibiza chic. Sott peach, terracotta, and blush tones dominate the walls and furnishings of the open-plan dining and bar area, while circular pendant lights hang at varying heights from dark ceiling panels, creating a sculptural focal point while casting a soft, ambient glow. In one area, a mirrored ceiling reflects the lights and activity below, adding depth and a sense of energy to the room, while a digitally-printed mountain skyscape spans the full curved wall of the lounge area, creating an enveloping effect.
The interior was zoned to support different guest experiences. A relaxed lounge area features soft
upholstered seating for informal gatherings, while high poseur tables and stools around the bar create a more lively setting for socialising and drinks. Beyond this, a dedicated dining area provides refined table seating for a more traditional dining experience. Together, these layered zones allow LÃrica to transition seamlessly from daytime dining to an evening social destination, fully aligned with the brand’s identity.
Elsewhere, The Cumberland’s new VIP Lounge is a stylish, inviting and exclusive retreat with a maximalist, retro feel, designed to deliver an indulgent experience for discerning guests. Drawing inspiration from the hotel’s musical heritage, the space functions as a Listening Bar where guests can curate their own soundtrack from an extensive vinyl collection, ensuring a personalised and immersive atmosphere.
A warm colour palette of burgundy, soft pink and green sits perfectly alongside the tones of natural wood. Walls and ceiling are drenched in rich crimson tones and accented with integrated lighting throughout – a luxurious counterpoint to the geometric precision of the pale pink floor tiles. The design details include walnut timber and green marble finishes to contrast with inviting seating upholstered with leather and textured fabrics.
A bespoke textural carpet wall is a standout feature, bringing warmth and acoustic softness – a tactile and eye-catching addition to the interior which acts to enhance the intimacy of the premium space. A custom timber console with turntables and vinyl shelving references the hotel’s musical history, while the refreshment area offers a refined take on practicality with integrated refrigeration, brass accents and an ice cream station to add a touch of playful indulgence for VIP guests. Clusters of soft seating create intimate zones for relaxation, offering an elevated alternative to the bustle and energy of the hotel’s lobby.
Abi Perry-Jones, Creative Director of Jones AD, commented, “It’s been a pleasure to work with the Clermont Hotel Group once again, and to create these very special spaces as part of the redesign for the iconic Cumberland Hotel. Both the VIP Lounge and LÃrica show what can be achieved with zoning in hospitality design – we used furniture and finishes to support different guest experiences, allowing the restaurant, bar and VIP lounge to transition seamlessly from daytime dining to evening socialising. The listening bar inspiration for the VIP lounge incorporates elements of the ‘experience bar’ – interactive elements and unique activities give guests a reason to visit the venue and add layers of engagement. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with the team on future projects.”
Commenting on the project, Paul Knightley, Chief Operating Officer, Clermont Hotel Group, said, “We love the new look spaces and the way that they enhance our guest experience, but what really stood out is the way that Abi and the Jones AD team took time to understand our strategic objectives as a business.”
Richard Young, Property Director, Clermont Hotel Group, said, “We’re absolutely delighted with the new VIP Lounge and LÃrica restaurant. Jones AD’s design has created two really distinctive new spaces in the hotel which have already proven to be popular with guests. Abis attention to detail and understanding of the operational issues at play meant that the projects ran smoothly and the new spaces work well from a practical perspective as well as looking fantastic.”
