THE ALCHEMIST – MANCHESTER
A team of rischegroup experts completed the fit-out of high-end restaurant and bar,The Alchemist, in Manchester’s Spinningfields.The Alchemist has become a distinctive cocktail and restaurant chain within theindustry, renowned for its theatrical approach to mixology and beautifully designedspaces. So, when rischegroup were approached to complete the fit-out for thecompany’s original venue, we were tasked with the challenge of preparing theestablishment for its launch and bringing the company’s ethos to life. With this inmind, we were excited to create a stand-out space which reflected the exclusivenature of Spinningfields.Although most renowned for its creative cocktails, The Alchemist is also a popularvenue for breakfast, coffee and lunch; as an all-day haven, the fit-out design had tohelp the establishment seamlessly transition from day-to-night, while remainingappealing to each of these customers.This saw us develop a distinctive lighting system and a variety of different seatingstyles, including an outdoor terraced seating area. And, as the hub of any bar tendsto be the bar itself, we created a bespoke design which became the focal point of thevenue.Our challenge was to complete all work in time for the venue’s grand Christmasopening, condensing what was originally a 12-week contract into just eight weeks.
SUGO PASTA KITCHEN – ANCOATS
Altrincham‘s acclaimed Italian restaurant Sugo Pasta Kitchen opened its secondrestaurant, adding to the flourishing food scene in the developing neighbourhood ofAncoats. Rische Group proudly supported Sugo in the opening of their first restaurant inAltrincham back in 2015 and were appointed to fit-out their second home in 2018after 3 years of great success.Initially just an empty shell, Sugo was transformed in just 8 weeks. Rische Groupworked with Sugo, to create a sophisticated new restaurant which reflects their ethosand established brand identity whilst keeping in line with Altrincham’s vibe.Over a period of eight weeks, Rische Group built all partition walls creating space forthe kitchen, a store room and washrooms. The kitchen was an important aspect to the design, placing great responsibility onthe Rische team to get it right. The theatrical, open kitchen embodies Sugo’s culture and adds to the hustle andbustle of the busy restaurant, reflecting the nature of Italian heritage.Although minimalistic in terms of design, various elements such as wood, concrete,tiling and an exposed ceiling tie this restaurants fresh and honest interior togetherbeautifully. Furthermore, the exposed ceiling adds to the rawness of the interior.Hera acoustic paneling was installed to help confine some aspects of the travellingnoise throughout the space.Hand crafted, bespoke furniture is seen throughout Sugo which is made from pineand treated to appear aged.Sugo’s new home on Blossom Street, now fits perfectly within what used to beknown as Manchester’s ‘Little Italy’.
MANCHESTER CENTRAL
Manchester Central is a Grade || listed building, formally known as ManchesterCentral railway station that was built in 1963 based in the heart of Manchester.Our brief was to overhaul the Exchange suite to encourage sales and bring it up-to-date with modern day design as the space was fairly vacant and in need of some life.It was also noted that Manchester Central’s famous clock located on the outerbuilding is a huge source of tourist attraction which encouraged the internal re-design to pay homage to its heritage.Alongside project partners ZSpace UK whom pulled on the need for change andaltered the dynamic space in keeping with the heritage and charm of the iconicvenue, Rische Group completed this project in budget and within the 28-dayschedule that was made possible by a number of Rische operatives.Brick slips and copper coated lighting were introduced to create an urban feel to thespace, coupled with lineage style flooring and lighting to represent the once bustlingtrain station to link each area together and form a sense of community.The design was in keeping with the building and Manchester but also offeredeverything that the conference centre needed. Colour adjusted lighting, palisadesand Hera acoustic panels gives industrial exposed ceiling with acoustic qualities anda unique design.
MANA RESTAURANT
Mana was once a huge manmade box of glass, steel and concrete. Located in themiddle of Ancoats, an area of Manchester that historically became a cradle of theIndustrial Revolution and as such, is still quite industrial. This needed to be transformed into a space where people could feel in touch withthe elemental forces of nature, the very ethos that embodies Mana.Simon Martin and his team wanted to create an informal dining experience, serving amultiple course menu to showcase the best of our islands produce at any time of theyear.It was therefore imperative that the design was minimalistic and earthy in order toreflect the purpose of the experience and place importance on the dishes which arethe feature of the restaurant.Designed by JRD in conjunction with ZSpace UK; Rische Group were set the task offitting out this incredible space.The double height ceiling was an obvious part of the buildings structure. In order tokeep in line with the design concept, Rische lowered this, creating a curved bulkheadwhich instantly made the space feel more homely.The curve in the ceiling creates movement, complimenting the 6m high curtains,ultimately reducing the harshness of the exterior. The installation of the curtainscreated a private restaurant in a bustling Manchester setting while allowing naturallight to pour into the space, striking a balance between nature and architecture.It was imperative that Rische built the ceiling strong enough to withstand the weightof the feature lighting as well as having specialised fire protection and insulation toprotect it due to the complexities caused by the car park situated above therestaurant.The boldly minimalist Puro-Single Brokis pendants were suspended from the ceiling.The diffused glow of the tubes elicits a dynamic ambiance which also provided apractical use for diners. An XAL ‘move-it’ track lighting system was also installed above the kitchen. Itsmagnetic component enables the chefs to move the lighting around to suit theiractivities.Porcelanosa sheet tiling was installed by Rische to add to the restaurants’ ‘earthy’feel as well as providing a practical use to protect the walls. The bar and waiterstations were bespoke made by Martina and installed by Rische Group.The herb wall situated in front of a feature dining table, provides Mana chefs withfresh herbs, each with their own compartment and specialised UV light to helpstimulate growth. After 8 weeks of hard work by all parties involved, Rische Group were able to deliverthis outstanding dining experience, unique to Manchester.In November 2019, Rische Group were awarded the ‘Bar and Restaurant Design’and the ‘Commercial interior project’ award 2019 at the Northern Design Awards2019 for our works at Mana.
