turnerbates Design & Architecture designs a new restaurant for Azzurri Group’s ASK Italian brand, located in the heart of Maidstone, Kent.

As part of the current extension of the ASK Italian brand, turnerbates Design & Architecture’s design for the 188 cover restaurant has created a welcoming dining experience for daytime and evening diners, with inspiration taken from traditional textures and colours from Italy. Situated in the heart of Maidstone, in Grade II listed Broughton House, the building has been renovated to create a series of interconnecting spaces with contemporary and original architectural features.

By playing the new against the old, the two dining areas towards the front of the building, comprises of original features- an original fireplace, window shutters, skirting and coving. Timber flooring laid in a traditional herringbone pattern, uses dual tones of timber to bring the interior up-to-date to distinguish the new and old features. “We are excited to have completed the concept design and delivery of a new restaurant for ASK Italian in Maidstone, reviving new life into the Grade II listed building with a bright, modern and fresh interior.” Said Monica Herdlevaer, Senior Interior Designer, turnerbates Design & Architecture.

The bar located at the centre of the building, features a bar counter clad in period tiles and contemporary chevron timber, in oak and walnut. A new extension to the rear of the building, houses the theatre kitchen and main dining area to entertain diners. White Carrara marble has been used on the walls and kitchen counter. For the flooring, oak timber laid on a 45 degree angle runs up sections of walls. A run of booth seats to the centre of the space creates intimate dining areas within the large space. ASK Italian Managing Director, Jason Thomas, says, “We’re delighted to be opening a restaurant in Maidstone, and are excited to have found a site in the heart of such a thriving community. We’re looking forward to bringing the ASK Italian recipe of authentic dishes, warm service and fresh design to the town.”

Design: turnerbates Design & Architecture
Photography: Tony Buckingham

About turnerbates Design & Architecture
turnerbates Design & Architecture was established by John Turner and Howard Bates in 2012. Previously Directors at award winning architectural practices, turnerbates specializes in retail, leisure, workplace, residential developments and regeneration.

About ASK Italian
ASK Italian is one of the UK’s leading casual dining restaurant brands, with over 110 restaurants throughout the country, driven by a passion for authentic Italian food and culture. With the help of expert friends, Theo Randall, Carla Capalbo and Adrian Garforth MW, ASK Italian has been discovering the best of Italian life, reflected in the menus and 100% Italian wine list. ASK Italian was named ‘Best Italian Restaurant’ in the 2013 Pizza and Pasta Association Awards. In March 2015, ASK Italian won best menu in the Mediterranean Casual Dining category at the restaurant MIDAS awards.