Housed within the imposing Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria in Brussels, the latest hotel by Corinthia to open its doors last December ahead of the next opening in Budapest, is a restaurant by eminent chef Christophe Hardiquest that brings together the best elements of a Belgian Brasserie, reimagined in a somewhat audacious style.
Le Petit Bon Bon, “the spirited sibling” of the iconic Bon Bon restaurant in Brussels – which the chef himself had founded and run for 20 years before closing its doors in 2022 – offers a cosier, more intimate and relaxed setting, designed and executed by WeWantMore studio.
“At Le Petit Bon Bon, Hardiquest mixes tradition and modernity. The interior design reflects this by embracing and amplifying the cues of a classic Belgian brasserie, introducing an accessible F&B concept within a luxury hotel,” shares Fabian van Dijk, Business Director Interior Design at WeWantMore.
The interior envelopes guests into a rich space of marble, copper and warm wood that establish an elegant yet informal setting. Guests are greeted by a marble-topped bar and patterned floors in the classic brasserie tradition that lead diners to their table.
“Grooved wooden panelling around the bar and other areas of the restaurant conceals an acoustic layer, to ensure noise levels are always at a comfortable level,” the studio explains.
The presence of copper casts a quaint character within Le Petit Bon Bon, seen most evidently in the finishing kitchen enclosed in glossy copper panelling, “which will acquire a beautiful, natural patination over time.”
“Wall mirrors reflect the glow of the copper, and cast a soft light over leather banquettes, translucent alabaster table lamps and brass details – all of which come together to create a quintessential brasserie experience.”
Masha Nazarenko, lead designer for Le Petit Bon Bon, notes “we wanted to create an interior to really bring out the flavours of Christophe Hardiquest’s cooking, but one which also felt respectful to the hotel’s history infused with a touch of modernity.”
Michael Izzo, Group Chief Strategy Officer for Corinthia Hotels, described how the studio delivered an “exceptional, end-to-end service for the fit-out of Le Petit Bon Bon by Christophe Hardiquest. They perfectly captured the ‘Belgian Brasserie’ vibe we highlighted in our design brief, creating an accessible yet refined atmosphere.”
Photography: Tijs Vervecken
