Compleat Angler at Marlow reopens after major refurbishment

The Macdonald Compleat Angler’s restaurant, idyllically situated on the banks of the River Thames at Marlow, has re-opened following a major refurbishment. The project has created two brand new dining experiences - Dean Timpson at the Compleat Angler and Bowaters. The work was carried out by major London based, world renowned, interior architects RDD.

RDD’s redesign of the existing Riverside and al fresco restaurants has resulted in an exciting new dining experience for hotel guests, local residents and visitors to the area. In place of The Riverside Restaurant, two new restaurants have opened: one as “Dean Timpson at the Compleat Angler”, and the other as “Bowaters”.

“We chose RDD because of their excellent reputation in restaurant design projects, part of the necessary criteria to ensure the overall design concept was achieved,’ says Gaius Wyncoll, General Manager. ‘We have invested close to £1million in the project, some of which is allocated to a dedicated kitchen for each restaurant, allowing us to take the cuisine to an entirely new level. A specialist restaurant designer was essential in order to clearly define the two complementary concepts.’

Dean Timpson, chef proprietor says, “The new design has been really popular with both clients and staff. The structural design has given the front-of-house staff a great space and environment to work in and they are especially pleased to have excellent vantage points throughout the restaurant to be able to provide guests with fast and efficient service at all times. As for our guests, they too love the space which ensures privacy without compromise to ambience. Guests especially like the wallpaper which reflects the light creating a pleasing iridescent glow. In addition they have all commented on the herbs, instead of flowers, that I've placed on the tables; an idea inspired by the overall effect of the decor and design.”

‘The remit was to produce seating for 100 in the conservatory/al fresco restaurant, which is operated by the privately-owned hotel group MacDonald Hotels & Resorts, with seating for 36 in the smaller more intimate fine-dining restaurant,’ says Jeremy Scarlett, Director at RDD.

The design concept took into account the existing interior oak beams whilst adding a contemporary twist by clever use of ceiling and floor lamps and low level mood lighting. RDD enhanced the dark stained timbers by creating a luxurious ambience; new lighting and furniture, with particular emphasis on a “sense of arrival”. RDD also introduced a dedicated greeting area for the restaurant.

Concluded Jeremy, ‘With a restaurant as well known and respected for its food as the Compleat Angler, it was essential to take into account its current appearance and popularity, and to take it forward, without losing its ambiance.

We took into account current design trends and incorporated them into a fashionable elegance of yesteryear. As a result we have created a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for the discerning diner so that they can enjoy some of the finest food in the South East in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere”.