Having been a fan of the original Nick’s on Hyndland Road, which has now been transformed into Shucks, I was very curious to see the new bar and restaurant, a collaboration between Oli Norman and the team behind Michelin starred Cail Bruich, Epicures and Brett. They describe the new Shucks as “a relaxed seafood restaurant serving up the very best fresh produce from Scottish waters, alongside an elegant wine and champagne bar”.
Explains designer Courtney Reid of surface-id, “The inspiration behind the Shucks design was to create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere while mirroring their fabulous food and drink offering. With a hint toward Scandi style, we added subtle hints of the ocean including our specially commissioned hand-painted mural by artist Rebecca Hamilton, and hand-cut antique brass fish scales by Mike Peden. The fit-out was undertaken by Donaldson Construction and we created many bespoke elements such as the specially designed and fabricated hanging glass and bottle rack and lavish champagne trolley”
When you previously walked into its former incarnation – the ground floor was just one undefined space, now there is a partition that cleverly separates the bar area from diners, but it is nice to see that you are encouraged to sit at the bar with comfortable looking barstools.
There are Scandi look light wood partitions on the ground floor, and light wood has been used on the rear of the main booth, which fits in the bay window. The booth also features an octagonal table and would comfortably seat six.
|The colour palette of navy blue, mustard and sea green add to the relaxed feeling with the bright red Shucks sign, on the exposed brick wall, really popping out.
Says Courtney, “The soft furnishings including curtains by Curtainwise Contract and greenery by Benholm contrast with the existing exposed stone and brickwork to create the perfect balance between sumptuous elegance and rustic authenticity.
The gantry is all brushed brass and metalwork and the hanging glass rack is impressive!
The seafood connection is more apparent upstairs with a striking wave mural, the use of nautical style ropes and in the blue of the upholstery. The booths are navy, and the chairs are a lighter blue. It is certainly not contrived.
The new Shucks feels bright and airy, and although there have been no structural changes it just feels bigger. I spent many a night there when it was Nick’s and I look forward to spending many more… I’m especially looking forward to trying out its champagne trolley!
Courtney concludes, “We wish our friends at Shucks all the best in their new venture.” I am sure it will be a Westend success.
