design et al are delighted to announce that Bishop Design have been shortlisted for Restaurant – Global Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2018.
An intoxicating vibe and an unforgettable adventure through Spanish cuisine together with urban yet stylish interiors. Toro + Ko is located within Citywalk 2 Dubai and is owned by the renowned Meraas group. This restaurant has set the precedent of future venues within the local area. Bishop Design LLC as the interior design consultant, have brought a hip, matey vibe to Dubai in collaboration with the mall operators Meraas. The unique food offering of pintxos, small plates, cheeses, cold cuts and a mix of hot and cold tapas sits in perfect equilibrium with the interior dynamics. With a carefully curated cocktail and tapas menu within the ultimately unique and enjoyable interior, Toro + Ko is set to become a regular haunt for discerning diners.
The interior is set over two levels and allows the guests to seamlessly travel both visually and physically between its differing spatial interiors. Surfaces within were to be raw, urban and diverse leaving one in visual awe. Thought provoking, bold, graphic, and bespoke commissioned artworks were to be located within, creating the centre and heart of the space. The spaces were designed to be seamless, incorporating a diverse combination of fluid poured concrete surfaces and Terrazzo flooring to create a visually dynamic link between the different areas, ceilings were to be stripped back and exposed, adorned by beautifully bespoke decorative and technical lighting. The transitions between external and internal dimensions were to be seamless and allow the exterior to penetrate within.
An open plan kitchen, beer dispense area and martini cocktail bar would provide the key visual theatrics within, creating a central point and nucleus of the interiors physicality. Warm natural colours were to be balanced against the overall industrial refinement to create the desired unique and intoxicating ambient. The application of current materials was to be considered such as cold rolled steel, Corten rusted sheet, reclaimed distressed wood, trowelled concrete rendered wall surfaces, cementitious poured floorings. Saddle and cracked leathers through to the use of bespoke fire glazed kitchen tiles were used in harmony with rippled and chicken wire glass along with a varying array and combinations of metals such as brass and copper used to provide the ultimate visual experience.
Toro + Ko brings something new and eclectic to Dubai’s dining and landscape, making for a new addition to the dining options available in the city. Located at the licensed dining destination The Square, Toro + Ko brings the soul of Barcelona to Dubai by way of Manhattan. Both the interior and the food offering introduce the UAE to the eclectic Spanish flair that both celebrated chefs Jamie Bissonnette and Ken Oringer are known for, with a focus on local ingredients from the surrounding markets. The project has been successful as it has established the chefs first concept in the Middle East maintaining the excitement and passion behind the Toro name to a city that both chefs feel a special connection to. Therefore, what has been created in Toro is a desiring environment with an intoxicating vibe that delivers daily and aspires to be an unforgettable adventure to its dedicated and targeted clientele. Bringing with it fun, flavour and flair to Dubai.