Surbiton, Surrey
Interior design and refurbishment.
Surbiton, Surrey
Interior design and refurbishment.
Trinca is a small yet exceptional Italian restaurant in Surbiton. It’s known for its delectable small plates and tasting dishes, along with an unwavering dedication to using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The restaurant focuses on concentrating flavours to bring out the best in every menu item, offering an incredible dining experience that feels personal, inviting, and wonderfully authentic.
However, their compact space presented a challenge.
Trinca’s premises measured approximately 20sqm; ideal for fostering an intimate and cosy dining atmosphere, but limiting in terms of revenue and reputation. The owners were keen not to have to turn away customers due to limited capacity.
They needed a way to optimise the available space, getting more value from what they had, and increasing functionality without sacrificing the welcoming ambience of the venue.
Our goal was clear: to create smart seating arrangements that would comfortably accommodate more diners without making the space feel cramped. To achieve this, we focused on smart and intelligent design solutions to maximise efficiency while preserving comfort and elegance.
One of the key design choices was the installation of an eye-catching Calacatta gold quartz counter bar. This stunning centrepiece became the focal point of the restaurant, anchoring the layout and serving as both a practical service area and a stylish statement piece. The seating was strategically arranged around this feature, creating a harmonious flow and enhancing the sense of openness.
Optimising seating was relatively straightforward. The real challenge in this project lay in fitting a fully functional kitchen into less than 3sqm while also incorporating a guest bathroom into the restaurant. This required meticulous planning to ensure that every inch was used effectively.
Our solution for this was to prioritise space-saving solutions, such as bespoke joinery seating and compact but efficient kitchen equipment. Every element of the kitchen was carefully considered to maintain smooth operational flow, allowing staff to work efficiently despite the spatial limitations.
Additionally, we integrated seamless storage solutions to ensure the restaurant remained uncluttered, reinforcing the sense of elegance and organisation that the Trinca brand is known for.
The project was completed in just two months, and the results exceeded expectations. Trinca now offers a beautifully functional and inviting space that maximises every square metre of the premises.
The standout feature—the Calacatta gold quartz counter—is both a striking visual feature and a practical hub for service, enhancing both the aesthetic and operational flow of the restaurant.
The redesigned layout allowed for increased seating capacity while still preserving the restaurant’s signature intimate atmosphere. Thoughtful planning and innovative design transformed a space-constrained restaurant into a highly efficient, stylish, and welcoming culinary destination. Trinca now stands as a testament to how clever design can overcome spatial limitations, proving that even small spaces can make a big impact.
