London, United Kingdom

Sasa Sushi, Clerkenwell

This project transformed a 2,700 sqft Grade II listed building into a contemporary Japanese restaurant, seamlessly blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with the historical charm of the site. The design preserves the building’s original features, including its façade and intricate interior details, while introducing modern dining spaces that reflect the minimalist elegance of Japanese culture.

The client, a small family-run sushi restaurant renowned in Islington for over 15 years, has significantly increased their capacity with this expansion. Yet they remained committed to maintaining the cosy, family-friendly atmosphere that made them beloved in the community. Our design delivers on this vision, creating a space that feels both elevated and warmly familiar.

Key Features:

  • Preservation of original Grade II listed architectural elements, integrated with modern Japanese design

  • Custom-designed sushi bar and private dining areas

  • Use of natural materials to complement the historical setting

  • Bespoke lighting and ventilation systems tailored for restaurant use
  • Custom-built furniture throughout, crafted in traditional Japanese wood styling and incorporated with the signature brand colours

Now open to the public, the restaurant stands as a distinctive fusion of cultural heritage and modern design, offering guests a unique dining experience in a setting that celebrates both its historical roots and contemporary evolution.

Year
Q2 2025
Size
2,700 sqft
Typology
Restaurant
Status
Ongoing