Restaurant designers’ award

Retford-based interior design consultancy Jamie Hempsall Ltd joined the country’s top interior designers for the UK Property Awards at The Lancaster London Hotel, Hyde Park, London.

Jamie Hempsall Ltd not only won Best Leisure Interior for Nottinghamshire for Barkers Restaurant, they beat all other competition to win Best Leisure Interior in the UK.

Managing director Richard Bond: “We are still reeling from the excitement and the realisation that a local company and a local project have been judged to be the best in the UK.”

“There was some sensational competition which makes it an even greater accolade for us.”

Jamie Hempsall Ltd was approached last year to develop the design for the National Trust’s first ever fine dining restaurant.

Situated within the former head gardener’s house at Clumber, the seasonal menu uses local ingredients, many grown in Clumber’s walled kitchen garden. 

Jamie Hempsall, design director, said: “We created a classic, contemporary design that feels as though you have been invited into someone’s rather comfortable home.”

“It was a brave concept for the National Trust team who briefed us not to develop a historic recreation. We have used sumptuous fabrics and wallpapers from British designers such as Osborne & Little, Zoffany and Designers Guild to create a luxurious, yet warm, welcoming feel.” 

Beth Dawson, general manager for the National Trust in Notts said: “Barkers has breathed new life into this elegant former head gardener’s house and is a wonderful celebration of how contemporary design can enhance our built heritage.”  

The restaurant serves morning coffee, lunches, afternoon teas and evening meals on a Friday and Saturday.