DesignLSM, designlsm.com have recently completed the interior work for the launch of Issho – a new Japanese led dining concept by luxury restaurant group D&D London. Located within the high-end shopping destination of Victoria Gate in Leeds, the 7,807-sqft site comprises of a stylish rooftop bar, outdoor terrace and restaurant complete with an open sushi counter. Our brief was to create a new sophisticated dining destination that drew inspiration from the heritage of the site, a former Victorian haberdashery, which would compliment and enhance the delectable fusion cuisine on offer.

Issho (meaning ‘together’ in Japanese) subtly references the delicate textures, patterns and folds of East Asian fabrics creating an authentic and refined design aesthetic, that offers it’s guests the chance to discover the true art of fusion dining. On arrival into the restaurant, patrons are greeted into a contemporary lobby featuring a striking monolithic reception desk dressed with intimate drapes complimented by a dramatic fireplace wall, which injects a warm and inviting ambience into the space. A prominent feature is ‘The Kori Bar’, which is set alongside the rooftop terrace providing guests with the perfect setting for pre/post dinner cocktails and the chance to sample the delights of traditional Japanese sake.

The striking timber framed bar takes centre stage within the area enhanced by an exquisitely lit monochrome ceiling artwork, which was specially commissioned by renowned Japanese designer Eley Kishimoto. The 40-cover outdoor terrace is designed to be a calm and relaxing environment with a blend of comfortable lounge furniture, timber decking and displays of abundant greenery, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the resplendent views across the city. An atmospheric curved walkway lined with illuminated wine displays leads guests to the main restaurant area creating a journey of discovery.

Inside the restaurant space, an impressive open kitchen complete with a traditional robatayaki grill and sushi counter offers diners the chance to experience the exciting creation of Executive Chef Ben Orpwood’s inspiring menu. The bespoke banquette seating has been designed to provide pockets of privacy alongside counter seating for those looking for a more social and theatrical experience. Our designers utilised a bold and simplified palette for the scheme including traditional oak, marble style tiles, natural-edged porphyry stone and black charred timber, which is traditionally known as ‘Shou Sugi Ban’.

Set across from the restaurant is an intimate 8-cover private dining room, which overlooks the spectacular city rooftops. The room opens out into the vibrant restaurant area via authentic oak sliding doors and features a strikingly lit shelving display with Asian shoji screens, which is designed to cleverly disguise a AV unit available for corporate meetings. DesignLSM are proud of their collaboration with D&D London, working closely with them to create a vibrant and social restaurant space that portrays an elevated ambience above the metropolis of Leeds.

Design and photography: designLSM