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Some projects quietly embody everything we love about hospitality lighting: thoughtful interiors, collaborative design, and spaces created to feel timeless from the moment guests walk in.
Our recent work at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel was exactly that.
Working closely with Studio Shayne Brady, the interior design studio behind the refurbishment of Willett’s restaurant and bar, we supplied decorative lighting to support their vision for a warm, refined, and characterful hospitality space within one of London’s most iconic luxury hotels.
From the earliest conversations through to the finished installation, the project was shaped by close collaboration. Studio Shayne Brady’s interior scheme brought together rich materials, layered textures, and considered details, creating a restaurant and bar that feels elegant, welcoming, and beautifully at home within The Cadogan.
Our role was to provide lighting that complemented that vision, adding atmosphere and decorative presence without overpowering the space.
Image credit: Studio Shayne Brady
“In a space with such a rich history, every detail should have a purpose and help tell the story of the building’s past. Lighting was a fundamental part of our vision, and we knew the Gorsley pendant would complement both the Bistro and the timeless character of our client’s brand.’
The lighting needed to sit naturally within Studio Shayne Brady’s wider interior concept, supporting the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere expected in a luxury hospitality setting.
Willett’s called for fittings that felt decorative and characterful, but not overly formal. The space needed warmth, softness, and a sense of quiet confidence, with lighting that enhanced the material palette rather than competing with it.
For a restaurant and bar within a hotel of this calibre, every detail matters. The lighting had to contribute to the overall experience of the room: how guests feel when they arrive, how the space changes throughout the day, and how the atmosphere settles in the evening.
Hospitality refurbishments often require as much coordination behind the scenes as craftsmanship within the finished result.
With works taking place inside a fully operational luxury hotel, the programme demanded careful planning, clear communication, and flexibility across every stage.
Projects like this are never simply about supplying fittings. They rely on trust between designers, contractors, hotel teams, consultants, and makers, all working towards the same end result: a space that feels effortless to the guest, even when the process behind it is highly detailed.
That collaborative approach shaped the project from start to finish.
Image credit: Studio Shayne Brady
Restaurant and bar lighting has a unique role within hospitality interiors.
It needs to evolve naturally throughout the day: welcoming and relaxed in the morning, softer and more intimate by evening. Every layer of light contributes to how guests experience the space.
At Willett’s, the lighting supports the quiet luxury at the heart of the scheme: warm, comfortable, refined, and carefully considered without ever feeling overworked.
“Working closely with Fritz Fryer and the director Simon to curate a bespoke finish was an exciting collaborative and creative experience. Together, we curated a unique bronze finish that perfectly captured the balance we were striving for, aged yet refined, celebrating the building’s heritage while reflecting its new chapter as the now well establish London British Bistro dining experience.”
The increasingly popular Copper Gorsley pendants were selected as the feature lighting throughout the bistro area. With limited power points available, our workshop supplied the fittings with extended flex, allowing them to be swagged across the ceiling in a striking, spider-like arrangement.
Bespoke ceiling plates were also created to accommodate multiple pendants from a single power point, helping to achieve the desired look without compromising the existing electrical layout.
For this project, the Shayne Brady team requested a darker finish with fewer copper tones and a subtle bronze character. As every shade is individually handcrafted, we were able to work closely with our blacksmith to develop a bespoke finish specifically for the scheme.
To achieve this, the copper was electroplated with tin and then carefully heated to create a bronze-toned surface alloy. It was subsequently submerged in an oxidising solution to deepen and darken the finish, resulting in a more subdued appearance that complemented the wider interior.
The finished bistro brings together Studio Shayne Brady’s considered interior design with artisan-made lighting to create a distinctive luxury experience that feels both refined and welcoming.
The hand-worked Gorsley pendants introduce warmth, texture and individuality across the ceiling, while the bespoke bronze-toned finish allows them to sit naturally alongside the wider material palette.
The result demonstrates what can be achieved when designers, makers and project teams collaborate closely from the outset. By adapting the fittings, finishes and installation details around the needs of the scheme, we were able to support a memorable boutique environment that feels carefully curated, atmospheric and completely at home within The Cadogan Hotel.
We work closely with interior designers, architects, and hospitality teams to create decorative lighting that enhances atmosphere, supports the wider design vision, and stands up to the demands of luxury hospitality environments.
Whether you’re refurbishing a boutique hotel restaurant, designing guest suites, or creating statement lighting for bars and lounges, we’re here to help find a way.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your next hospitality project.
