ULI, a much loved Notting Hill restaurant, re-opens
Re-opening with a stunning new look in a new location, is ULI, a much loved Notting Hill Asian restaurant now on Ladbroke Road. Falling into disrepair, a former grocer’s shop has been updated and converted to provide a bright new 60 cover venue for modern Asian dining.
Jonathan Clark Architects were appointed to design a new modern Asian restaurant that eschews references normally associated with far eastern design. Instead the food – which is fresh, light and healthy – became the starting point for the interior.
Located within a Victorian Terrace on the former site of the Queen Elizabeth Laundry, an original shop sign has been preserved to provide a quirky focal point above the entrance. Inside, the ground floor has been divided into three interconnected areas to accommodate a restaurant, private dining area and a bar.
A long seating banquette with Danish chairs, bespoke made white topped tables and contemporary art sets the scene for this stylish brand.
Adorned with gloss white tiles, the bar sits at the back of the restaurant within a colourful lattice timber structure that characterises the space. The main structure is used as display shelving and to screen an unattractive courtyard to the rear, the side returns provide separation to the corridor and front seating area. Coloured infill panels in selected shades of blue and deep brown compliment a refined palate of reclaimed limed oak timber finishes.
Three ‘hanging garden’ lights are suspended above the bar, each filled with cascading indoor exotic plants which add an organic and natural feel to the space. Adjacent to the bar and tucked just out of sight, the private dining area accommodates eight people and provides an intimate venue for larger tables or private parties. A new window to the rear of the space brings in natural light from an external courtyard.
A new timber staircase adjoins the restaurant to a previously damp basement flat, which has been updated and converted to house staff quarters, customer toilets and a large new open plan kitchen.
A covered outdoor terrace provides space for an additional 30 covers to enjoy al-fresco dining. Its layout is configured to visually continue the inside out, which works particularly well when the large restored original sash window is opened.
Completed in August 2016, a series of subtle changes have transformed this former shop into a timeless and bright venue to be enjoyed for years to come.