Carolyn Parker creates James Martin restaurant

Appointed on credentials in November, consultancy founder Carolyn Parker believes the group beat two other groups to win the contract.

An existing restaurant space – The Fig – is giving way to the Leeds Kitchen through refurbishment by the consultancy, which will incorporate both the Alea Casino brand and a new James Martin brand through purple and grey colourways applied across walls, furnishings and uniforms. The new restaurant is set to open in March.

Parker says Martin takes an interest in art and design, and will provide pieces from his personal collection to be integrated into the design.

Leather will be applied to furniture, including re-upholstered banquette seating, and a French polisher is working to match wood tones, giving a dark wood effect.

An existing hatch from the restaurant floor to the kitchen is being opened up ‘to bring Martin’s personality into the restaurant and create some atmosphere’.

The restaurant, situated on the ground floor of the casino, will be visible from the casino and from an external pedestrian walkway.