HPW Project Series: The Brabazon Restaurant at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
- Mar 24
- 1 min read
At HPW, we believe great design respects its context while enhancing the way people experience a space.
The transformation of the Brabazon Restaurant was driven by a simple idea: to create a more contemporary environment that still honours the rich heritage of the National Motor Museum.
Our approach focused on improving how the space works as much as how it feels. We reimagined customer flow, refining the self service and counter arrangements to create a more intuitive journey. Physical connections were strengthened too, opening up access between the external terrace and the main building, and bringing new life to an underused courtyard through accessible, covered seating.
Lighting played a key role in shaping the atmosphere. Custom light clusters, suspended ceiling rafts and adjustable LED track lighting were introduced to enhance the look, feel and acoustics of the space, supporting its evolution into a flexible, all day destination. A new bar area, alongside adaptable elements such as mobile planters and loose furniture, allows the restaurant to transition seamlessly for evening use and events.
The interiors soften the boundary between history and hospitality. Rich textures, bold accents, and biophilic planting sit alongside subtle references to the museum’s motoring legacy, creating a space that feels both connected to its setting and comfortable to spend time in.
