Day Studio Designs London's Burro Restaurant with Irish-Italian Fusion Interior

Day Studio, led by founder Lisa Helmanis, has completed the interior design for Burro, a new Italian trattoria in London's Covent Garden. The restaurant is a sister establishment to Trullo, both associated with Belfast-born chef Conor Gadd, who serves as head chef and co-owner at both venues. Helmanis aimed to create a space that blends Irish country house elements with Italian trattoria traditions, reflecting Gadd's background and culinary focus. The design prioritizes making every seat feel special in the 100-cover dining room, with banquettes arranged centrally to create numerous intimate corners rather than lining the walls. Key features include walls divided into two color bands—reddish-brown below and soft yellow above—complemented by golden mirrors wrapping structural columns. The bar combines burgundy marble, concave stone tiles, and a curved timber edge designed to be tactile. Materials were selected for their ability to age gracefully, developing a patina over time. Artworks adorn the walls, including a painting by Irish artist Dan Ferguson and pieces by Helmanis herself, who trained as an artist. Furniture includes 100 matching mid-century chairs sourced second-hand from a convent in Czechia, upholstered in patterned velvet that serves as a deliberate contrasting element. Additional details include sculptural lighting from Snelling, textured glass, and floor-to-ceiling curtains. Helmanis, a former journalist, previously designed Trullo's interior in 2010, marking one of her early commercial projects. Burro aims to offer a more mature atmosphere compared to Trullo, emphasizing conviviality and a sense of timelessness without nostalgia. The project was documented by photographer Helen Cathcart.