The Japanese influence is subtly echoed in the restaurant's interior, where attention to detail is reflected in bespoke designed furniture and fittings.
The Japanese inspired restaurant Osaka Restaurant and Bar has replaced Café Rouge brasserie which occupied a double fronted space at Oracle Shopping Centre in Reading.
Blenheim Design began restaurant interior build by completely stripping back the restaurant and bar space, only maintaining its core structure and two glazed facades which face the shopping mall on one side and River Kennet on Canalside.
The restaurant is divided into several seating zones, including the main dining area featuring unique 6m dating table, private dining space, and bar situated on the raised level.
The Japanese influence is subtly echoed in the restaurant's interior design, where attention to detail is reflected in bespoke designed furniture and fittings.
Delicate wavy rope screen helps delineate the seating between two areas whilst providing illumination at the same time.
Inspiration for the screen came from the sinuous riverbed of Osaka’s Yodo River.
Decorative metaphors are evident in plain upholstered seats trimmed with a single red stripe, alluding to the Japanese practice of gift wrapping with red rope – Mizuhi.
Several of the fixtures and furnishings have been crafted by our designers specifically for the restaurant, including wooden seating pods, bespoke concrete light running down the centre of the dating table.
Bench seating for couples were designed by the team and made in collaboration with Protocol furniture.
The restaurant is carefully lit using an eclectic mix of oversized paper lanterns by Scandinavian brand &Tradition, Ginger lights by Joan Gaspar as well as task lighting by Delta Light and few elements from Linea Light.
A modern Geisha illustration epitomising a fusion of contemporary and traditional Japan, can be seen from every corner of the restaurant and bar.
Blenheim Design goal was to create an environment than aligns with Osaka’s food offer, which is a mix of Japanese dishes infused with other culinary cultures.
Photography by Richard Gooding Photography
Osaka Restaurant
Riverside Level, The Oracle, Reading RG1 2AG