Jeru Restaurant, London
13 Dec 2023
Malmaison, Liverpool
23 Aug 2023
By
TheContractCrew
The Background
Nestled at the heart of Prince’s Dock in Liverpool's buzzing historical city centre, Malmaison is a four-star boutique hotel that combines Gothic and Manhattan-like architecture to dramatic effect. Since opening its doors in 2007, it has become a popular spot in the city not just for luxurious overnight stays, but also for decadent drinking and dining on the docks.
After over a decade and a half of near constant use, the hotel’s décor and furnishings were in need of rejuvenation, which is where we came in…
The Task
In 2022 Malmaison Liverpool was set to undergo a multi-million pound refurbishment to breathe new life into all areas of the hotel. The overall aim was to enhance its status from a high-quality destination for eating, drinking and sleeping, to one of the finest in the city. The design vision was to create a chic environment that would reflect the city's historical qualities and many musical artistry talents, whilst also reinforcing the brand's continued commitment to excellence across its portfolio.
With 130 bedrooms, three suites, a bar & restaurant, a lobby, meeting & event spaces and an outdoor terrace to contend with, this was a huge project to undertake. Collaborating with Dakota House of Design, work began with the first major challenge to ensure the continued smooth running of the hotel while refurbishment works were carried out. To facilitate this the project was completed in stages with temporary areas, such as a reception desk and lounge area, created while the permanent fixtures were replaced.
The Work
The Malmaison bar and restaurant were well known and popular amongst Liverpool diners and revellers, and the owners wanted to be able to elevate the space that would be the bustling bar and busy restaurant. During renovation, what once was a low lit dark area became an open and light space with a luxurious feel with industrial nods in the form of exposed brickwork and high ceilings. The open area, with views of the river, has allowed an improved flow and seamless passage for guests from the reception area to the bar and into the restaurant.
Starting in the lobby we installed both the reception desk and dome-shaped open fireplace with polished marble effect stonework, as well as a unique bespoke curved fixed seating that flowed towards the dazzling bar to guide guests through the hotel. Within the bar, the traditional Malmaison signature red and black were combined with warm tones and splashes of other bold colours throughout the design of the loose furniture and fixed seating.
Models from our range included the Ambrosia High Chair and intimate booths, finished in a burnt orange leather and monochromatic print, matching the mosaic tiling around the bar. We also gave the bar a refresh by installing cladding with a burnt orange and gold finish.
In order to give the dining and socialising spaces a more integrated feel, we removed a partition wall that separated the restaurant from the bar, replacing it with oversized curtains. This helped produce what is now an eclectic and vibrant space, with its main feature being a huge mural reflecting Liverpool's maritime history. Bright colours and patterns on the walls are complemented by the furniture we installed, including curved banquette booths with gold touches and our Ambrosia Side Chairs in array of bold fabrics, including Tarazona Turquoise from Designers Guild. We also provided our Sorrento Side Chairs and Riga Tables for the outdoor terrace.
As part of the hotel's ongoing works, the next stage was to focus on the rooms. This included the two signature suites, which consisted of king-sized beds, a lounge area and an ensuite bath. Within these rooms we designed and installed bespoke wardrobe, headboards and other case goods uniquely finished with a luxurious green velvet panelling. These suites have wonderful panoramic views of the river and are filled with comfortable lounging furniture designed for guests to rest and recharge.
The Result
Malmaison has undergone a large refit that now reflects not only the Malmaison brand, but also the local history and community. The bar and restaurant have been opened up and the floor plan and furniture now allow for a sense of flow that gives room to flexibly accommodate sit-down events and stand-up functions. The ultimate effect is to establish the hotel’s bar and restaurant as a go-to place not just for guests but also for Liverpool locals. The unique artwork, features, bold fabric choices, contemporary furniture, and stunning fixed seating options have transformed the space whilst also keeping its unique links to the city’s cultural and musical roots.