‘Brunch Brunch Baby’ is the motto that greets guests at the affable Elephant Shoe in Valletta – a breakfast and brunch restaurant with an ambience as welcoming as its owners – which quickly sets the tone for the dining experience about to unfold.
The food and hospitality are central to its offering, of course – but its design is no less so, a vision that was brought to life by design studio DAAA Haus.
“Elephant shoe was born from the desire to create a restaurant dedicated to breakfast and brunch, with a fresh, playful, ironic and contemporary look and which would almost look like an extension of the famous Upper Barraka Gardens in Valletta, located right next to the entrance to the restaurant,” the studio explains.
With this brief in mind, Elephant Shoe’s single plan, rectangular layout was transformed into a modern garden, characterised by two contrasting shades of green used to create a colour block effect that envelopes most of the space – including its walls, doors and ceiling.
“On one side, a delicate sage green was used and on the other, a deep forest green, all complemented by many plants and touches of terracotta, seen in the long upholstered bench as well as the coppery details present in the wall lights.”
The interior furnishings, particularly the chairs, were chosen for their indoor-outdoor use, to emphasise that blurred line between the restaurant’s internal and external spaces.
The light sage green was also chosen for the counter – which acts as the heart and central hub of Elephant Shoe, covered entirely with small square and rectangular tiles, allowing the designers to achieve the effect of a soft and rounded, continuous counter block.
“Another important area is the wall behind the long bench, designed to be changed and decorated seasonally,” the studio highlights. “The only elements used in this space are panels of different sizes in neutral colours and coverings to create a scenic background and a very casual layering effect if framed pictures and other decorations were added.”
In addition to the panels, white metal grids were placed on the walls, creating a space for guests to share their memorable moments at the restaurant.
The idea evolved into a ‘wall of fame’, where customers who pass through Elephant Shoe could pin polaroids onto the grid – “a small gesture to make the customer feel important and welcome.”
Everything about Elephant Shoe revolves around conviviality – including its name. “It was conceived by the clients who wanted a unique name that was not strictly linked to the place or the concept, but which would instil curiosity and sound unusual to anyone who pronounced it, and be particular so as not to be forgotten so easily.”
“The name has another meaning – it is said that if mouthed as two words without sound, your lips could read ‘I love you’; a declaration of love for all its guests.”
Photography: Diana Iskander
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