Nigel Coates redesigns Glyndebourne restaurant

Glyndebourne opera house’s main restaurant, Middle & Over Wallop, will relaunch later this month, with design by Nigel Coates.

A muted colour scheme in oranges, browns, grey and pale blue will provide the background for sets and props from past productions, including a large mural from La Traviata.

Royal College of Art professor of architecture and interiors Coates has also created 43 Swarovski crystal chandeliers, intended to look like clouds. The ‘cloudeliers’ are assembled from organically shaped geometric crystals.

‘It’s not so much a conventional interior design as an exercise in art direction – dining here should be part of the theatrical experience of coming to Glyndebourne,’ says Coates.

He has sourced largely Italian suppliers for the restaurant, including furniture by Fratelli Boffi.

Coates worked with Brighton-based architect Miller Bourne on the redesign and refurbishment of the restaurant.

Glyndebourne also houses two other restaurants, but there are no current plans to redesign them.

Middle & Over Wallop will reopen on 21 May, in time for the opening night of the Glyndebourne Festival.