Rudy's

Having already updated the original Rudy’s pizzeria in Ancoats in Manchester, AE worked closely with our client to establish a design strategy for future Rudy’s, which will adapt to each environment. The second was established on Peter St in Manchester and the third opened in Liverpool. AE provided a full design service for these restaurants. All within very different existing buildings and designed to feel unique, they also feature some elements that have been repeated and refined along the way. Following our design strategy, Rudy’s were able to deliver a large number of restaurants across the country without AE’s involvement. Now AE consult for the restaurant chain reviewing initial proposals on site to aid design development and continuously improve the offer. Rudy’s in Liverpool features a large island bar under an existing rooflight and arched opening. The design enhances existing features within the space. When we accessed the space, we found a fully functioning largely black restaurant with corrugated white plastic panels and blue sky lighting features. The acoustic ceiling with its sound system was retained but painted white. Everything else was removed and the challenge was to inject an element of rawness in line with other Rudy’s restaurants into the relatively well finished interior. The floor was retained and where previously marked by partitions and furniture, this is now on show. Formally boxed in columns have now been exposed to reveal raw brickwork, steel and concrete. The low cost fit-out is focused around key features such as the pizza oven (always visible as you enter the restaurant) and the island bars (used to animate the rear of most restaurants so the focus is on the food). Rudy’s is now ranked amongst the best pizzeria’s in the world by the Guardian, Hardens Guide, and Where to Eat Pizza. It was named the best Pizzeria in the UK by Trip Advisor. Photos by James Maloney and AE