Tony Chi Associates styles Umu

Kyoto-influenced restaurant Umu opens its doors in London’s Mayfair this week, with interior concepts designed by American group Tony Chi Associates and implemented by Spence Harris Hogan Associates (DW 20 May).

The venue boasts a 1m-high raw timber ‘gathering table’ (pictured) created by South Korean sculptor Jae-Hyo Lee and an entrance ceiling covered with hand-blown Murano glass rods.

‘The design approach was to take the simple, clean and narrow lines evident in classic Japanese design and add a modern touch,’ Chi explains.

Umu, meaning ‘from the earth’, serves Japanese cuisine and a range of sakes.