Whitehaven’s sole department store, Dixons, asked us to design and build a 106 cover restaurant aimed at attracting a younger clientele to the store. The restaurant was branded Roof Top Café, inspired by the views from its location on the second floor. A vibrant, light and fresh concept was chosen combining bold colours and stripes, pendant lights, simple wooden framed chairs and bench seating.

References to the locality of Whitehaven with its history as an ancient shipping port and position on the edge of the Lake District are incorporated into the design with menus and wall graphics tying in with the nautical influence. Bold patterned floor tiles denote a central seating area with bright, colourful upholstery offset against them. To the side, a conservatory style roof allows light to spill into a more informal dining area with relaxed tub style chairs and low tables.

In addition to the restaurant and its washroom facilities we were asked to redesign the entrance and first floor lobbies, together with the entrance branding and graphics to the first floor hair salon. Store directories and way finding graphics formed part of the overall design package.

The Jamieson Smith team was given a brief to design a new restaurant to attract a younger clientele into the store. Great attention to detail was shown by the team and we’re delighted with the end result which certainly does have a wow factor and provides us with a world class facility. Our customers love the fresh new design with the result that takings in the Roof Top Café have doubled following the refurbishment. There is a lot of confidence in Whitehaven at the moment and our investment in the restaurant reflects this feeling.
Donald Dixon- Managing Director