The Background

Albie’s Café replaced a jewellery shop in the centre of the district high street of the increasingly trendy borough of Carlton in Nottingham. The venture was conceived and constructed by experienced hospitality professionals looking to capitalise on the area’s gentrification and therefore the increase in demand for good quality food and drink venues. The concept was to offer an exciting tapas style menu by employing a talented and up-and-coming young chef with a very welcoming and distinct decor that would make the restaurant really stand out from other more traditional British style cafés in the area.

 

Albies Cafe High Chairs completed by Contract Furniture Group

 

The Brief

 

Having previously been used for retail, the premises were a shell – giving the design team a blank canvas to work with. Combinations of timber and metal were to be used to give a rustic verging on industrial feel, with bright coloured fabrics employed to bring vibrancy. As well as the inside of the cafe, a covered area outside would be used to increase capacity, with the aim of making it feel like an extension rather than a totally separate space.

 

Albies cafe and loose fixed seating completed by Contract Furniture Group

 

The Work

 

A bespoke bar was manufactured, clad and fitted in place, followed by banquette seating precision engineered to line the internal walls. Shelves, a poseur height extended table and units made from rustic reclaimed wood to match the bar were then installed to finalise the fixed elements. Metal framed, fully-upholstered Felix high chairs in bright orange and stock Rib side chairs in varying colours completed the interior, with RAL sprayed Bistro side chairs used outside.

 

As many of the chairs and tables were from stock, the whole fit out was completed in under two weeks.

 

Albies cafe fixed and loose seating completed by Contract Furniture Group

 

The Results

 

Albie’s is a thriving restaurant offering breakfast and evening meals to eat in and take away. Its eclectic yet clearly themed furniture give a welcoming rustic look to compliment the exciting culinary offering. Seating and multi-height options generate unique atmosphere adding to the ambiance, and ensure the venue is engaging and keeps local residents and people from across the city coming back for more.