Cicoria | London, United Kingdom

Michael Grubb Studio worked in close collaboration with Russell Sage Studio to refine and enhance the premium hospitality lighting for Cicoria, an exceptional dining experience led by Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett, in the heart of Central London at the Royal Opera House. New lighting scheme for the latest Angela’s London restaurant venture focused on carefully adapting the existing scheme to align with the new interior, demonstrating how targeted, considered interventions can significantly elevate a space.

Layered Lighting Strategy for Restaurant Interior and Guest Experience

A key part of the practice’s approach was working with, rather than against, the existing infrastructure. The original lighting relied heavily on ceiling-based illumination, resulting in a more uniform and directional effect. However, our response introduced a layered lighting strategy that brings light down to human scale, creating a more intimate and comfortable dining environment. Our lighting design team included portable table lamps and integrated low-level lighting to establish warmth and consistency of experience across the space, ensuring each table feels considered and included regardless of its position.

As the main focus in hospitality lighting design lies in enhancing the material richness of the interior while curating the mood of an experience, we introduced new lighting elements with restraint. Pleated fabric columns are subtly grazed to emphasise their vertical rhythm and texture, while integrated lighting to the kitchen pass highlights the fluted amber glazing and improves visual comfort by softening views into the back-of-house. Recessed pasta displays are illuminated with concealed linear lighting, creating moments of visual interest that reinforce the restaurant’s identity carefully crafted by Angela’s vision.

Sustainable Hospitality Lighting Design Through Adaptive Reuse

With sustainability in mind, where previous lighting performed well, we made a decision to retain and refine. Our practice introduced simple upgrades to the scheme, such as diffusers to linear fittings at the banquettes, softened the light and revealed the natural grain and texture of the timber. This intentional decision reduced waste, minimised disruption, and supported the project’s budget and programme constraints.

Refined Human-Centred Lighting Building Intimacy

Throughout, our lighting practice gave careful attention to visual comfort and consistency. Low-glare optics, concealed sources, and a unified warm colour temperature ensure the lighting feels calm, cohesive, and appropriate to the setting.

As a result, Cicoria obtained a refined, layered lighting scheme that supports both the architectural intent and the operational needs of the restaurant. The space now transitions seamlessly from day to evening, offering a warm, intimate atmosphere that enhances the overall guest experience. This project highlights the value of a flexible, collaborative approach to lighting design in hospitality, where thoughtful refinement can be as impactful as a complete redesign.