Just opened, Brasserie des Pres by Nouvelle Garde, in the heart of the vibrant Latin Quarter in Paris. The design and atmosphere is vibrant yet traditionally inspired, modern and sophisticated. B3 Designers have delivered the interior design for their fourth and largest Parisian restaurant for the group, following Brasserie Belanger, Brasserie Dubillot and Brasserie Martin across the city. For the new Brasserie des Pres, The Latin Quarter in Paris – where the original and greatest French brasseries existed and the hub for artists, poets and literary greats- provides the inspiration for the concept.
On approach, foliage and planting adorn the front of the restaurant. Classic Parisian terrace seating, shaded by vibrant striped awnings line the long building’s façade. There are custom-designed tiles – introducing the Nouvelle Garde story – clad the timber panels and frame the main entrance to the restaurant for an impactful arrival for guests. A destination ice-cream parlour, given its own facade language stands proud where Brasserie Des Pres offers passers-by their range of delicious ice creams.
As with the previous concepts for Nouvelle Garde, this brasserie’s details are steeped in tradition yet executed in a modern, fresh and exciting way. The eclectic furniture and finishes are of a high standard, with custom design details throughout the space. The long, thin space posed a challenge for B3 Designers, who have responded by ensuring each zone within each of the three floors are separated by central stairwell, creating layers of different dining experiences. Guests can experience something new with each visit.
On the ground floor customers are met with a beautiful bar with brass gantry and coral leather bar stools to the left as they enter. Bold paneled walls with bespoke-designed illustrative tiles to the top create a rhythm in the space, which continues into the dining area, transforming into abundant produce display shelves above the custom lush banquette that wraps the area. The colourful mosaic tiled floor sit beneath the tables and brasserie-style chairs, with ornate table lamps adding further intimacy in the evening. All materials and colours work alongside the heritage stone tower in the middle of the space, which penetrates all three floors and which B3 had to be careful not to touch.
To the right-side of the ground floor restaurant, the dining space surrounds the bustling open kitchen; a key feature for all Nouvelle Garde brasseries. Counter seating here allows a close-up dining experience while the remaining tables give a nod to traditional Latin Quarter eateries; the tables are covered in white linen and decorated with brass detail lamps.
The restaurant and dining space extends onto the first floor, where the designers have been bolder using the theatre and history of the area as inspiration. To one side, there are ruched curtains and soft furnishings, tapestry inspired backdrops with a view into the action of the patisserie chef’s prep area. To the other side, a bar with bric -a -brac display frontage sits within a room of antique mirror and blonde timber paneling and baroque lighting. A main design features in this area is a ‘cabinet of curiosities’ which forms the rear wall above the brasserie booth seating.
On the top floor, guests are first met with a boutique all-day lounge hangout, with vinyl a record library; a music lovers delight away from the bustling bars and restaurants downstairs. The restrooms give a surprise change in aesthetic with red velvet draped curtains, faceted mirror and pearl-laden chandelier above the luxe vanity. Drawing inspiration from Charles Baudelaires ‘Les Fleurs du Mal’ and his critical response to the Haussmanisation of Paris, the cubicles reflect the archetypal personalities of the unsung Parisian anti-heroes featured in his poems.
For a final surprise on this floor, step through the velvet drapes in the evening and find yourself in Grouvie- a 70s inspired pink and shiny secret bar. Snug window seating, custom carpets, mirror ceiling, neon and hanging feature disco balls up the tempo and create a very different but very welcome atmosphere. It’s where neighbours and friends can relax and enjoy music together.
Mark Bithrey from B3 says; “Brasserie des Pres is a very unique floor print and we’ve used the existing architecture to create layers of dining experiences; and once again, Nouvelle Garde have trusted us to take the brief of ‘classic French brasserie yet be modern and bold’ even further. We’ve created a feeling of community and delight, a welcoming backdrop to the great food offer served here. Brasserie des Pres is to be experienced; it’s so much more than the photos”.
