Waterside restaurant gets Naples look
A former pub on Preston Marina has been given an Italian theme by R2 Architecture.
The Waterfront is now Baffito's, the latest in a chain of bar and restaurants operated by entrepreneur Peter Thompson.
R2 Architecture, which has previously worked on Alma de Cuba, Panoramic, Tribeca and Leaf in Liverpool, was commissioned to completely overhaul the 3,900 sq ft site, with a brief to "weave the vibrant personality of the Baffito's brand into the fabric of the building".
The contemporary restaurant mixes farmhouse-style furniture with bright colours, laid out on a natural oak floor.
The imposing stone hearth oven provides a focal point in the open theatre kitchen where diners can see their food being freshly prepared.
Large-scale hand-drawn illustrations on the walls and ceilings tell the Baffito's brand story in the style of inner-city graffiti from Naples.
R2 Architecture director Richard Eastwood said: "Through the interior, we set out to capture the gregarious public life of an Italian family, hence the decision to divide the space up into a range of clearly defined zones, each with their own character and sense of place."
Thompson said: "When we saw the marina side site we knew it would be the perfect addition to our growing business.
"Alongside freshly cooked authentic food, the bar/restaurant serves up an extensive range of cocktails, beers, spirits and wines in its vibrant, design-led surroundings."
