Case Study: The Regency Club

There are many aspects to consider when designing the perfect restaurant concept. The process is particularly challenging when an existing establishment decides it is time for a refurbishment. Naturally, the venue needs to stand out from alternative destinations for Lunch or Dinner dates. A distinctive flavour is not only important for the dishes and cuisine, it is also vital for the ambience. When the management of The Regency Club decided it was time for a face lift after many years of successful trading, they focused upon all aspects including the lighting of the interior.

Lighting has an important role in creating a unique dining experience. Warmth of welcome was certainly uppermost on the agenda at the Regency, as it is at many fine food establishments. Great lighting signals to guests an opportunity to relax and to enjoy a refined menu of dishes in convivial comfort. So at the north-west London Restaurant, red to yellow hues akin to candlelight were considered desirable for the table areas, complete with a dimmable function to match the time of day and season.

Designed by hospitality Interior specialist Jimi Pearce, The Regency Club has a contemporary look touched with a traditional feel that echoes an Edwardian Gentleman’s Club. With the advent of LED lighting, many options of lamps and luminaires are available to match all styles of décor. Owner Navin Sharma and his manager son Rahul consulted their electrical supplier HEP Supplies Ltd on the best choice. After reviewing options, a lamp was specified from the Integral LED Vintage range. A retro squirrel cage lamp was chosen; modelled upon an Edison original that evokes the dawn of the electrical age.

The legacy look drew together the elements of relaxed ambience with the modern lines of a central open plan kitchen and pass. All the legacy-look lamps are enclosed in amber glass to replicate the vintage warm glow (1800K) that delivers an ambient 170 lumens. Importantly, the product delivers 85% energy savings over the incandescent originals that continue to light bars and restaurants. The scheme was completed with a full conversion to LED lights to maximise energy savings. Notably, the functional areas within the food preparation areas were fitted with Integral LED Glass GU10 that require a fraction of the power compared to the halogen spots that they replaced.

“We received an immediate ‘Wow’ response from our diners after making the switch to the LED lights. We have always aspired to be a memorably different dining experience - India with a hint of Kenya. Now we have a unique interior to match our cuisine and all at a fraction of the energy cost of our old lighting scheme,” commented Rahul Sharma, the Restaurant Manager.