D&D’s landmark Orelle restaurant opens in Birmingham and showcases interiors inspired by banking heritage and the historic Jewellery Quarter

Orelle, the most highly anticipated restaurant, café and bar in Birmingham has now opened its doors to the public.

Designed by Doone Silver Kerr (now incorporated into Ryder Architecture), Orelle is located on the top floor of 103 Colmore Row.

Recently described as “one of the coolest addresses in Birmingham”, the building is also one of the city’s tallest and the Orelle restaurant is set against a backdrop of unrivalled, 360-degree panoramic views across the city and beyond, making it a unique addition to Birmingham’s food and drink scene.

Orelle is the first venture in the Midlands for hospitality group, D&D London, joining its portfolio of more than 40 diverse restaurants, bars and a hotel in the UK, Paris and New York.

Architecturally, the restaurant crowns the building, its double-height creating a lantern at night that can be seen right across the city – a true landmark for Birmingham.

The interior design for the 3,767sq ft restaurant takes inspiration from both the banking heritage of the site and its close proximity to the historic Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham, just to the north of the building.

103 Colmore Row was formerly the site of the National Westminster House, designed by John Madin.

The original building included cast-aluminium banking hall doors, designed by English artist Henry Haig consisting of an abstract triangular design based on the NatWest logo.

The design of the restaurant refers to the solidity of this banking heritage through the use of richly veined marble floors, oak and walnut timbers, painted wall panelling and a generosity of scale.

The original banking doors have been refurbished and installed in the vestibule of Orelle’s ground-floor 38-cover café.

Inspiration from the Jewellery Quarter is seen throughout the interiors, for example the use of finely detailed golden metalwork, the gold veining of the marble restaurant floor, bespoke light fittings and the jewel-like colours used in the furniture fabrics.

The restaurant also showcases a hand-painted mural by local artist, Anita Roye, whose father worked in the Jewellery Quarter. This specific piece of work takes inspiration from an uncut gemstone and seeks to evoke the energy that Birmingham people bring to the city.

Richard Doone, Director, Ryder Architecture, comments: “The name of the restaurant, Orelle, has a derivation from the French for gold, as well as being a French mountain village.

“It therefore makes references to the jewellery quarter, the location of the restaurant high up on the 24th floor, as well as the modern French inspired menu.

“Our design for Orelle is inspired by the banking heritage of the site and its proximity to the historic Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham.

“The interior with its double-height space and amazing views will make Orelle one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city.”

Photography: Jean Cazals