The ultra-compact surface Dekton by Cosentino has once again proven to be the surface brand of choice for professional chefs due to its superior technical properties and stylish designs, with its specification throughout the Vanderlyle restaurant, Cambridge. Led by chefs, Alex Rushmer, a former Masterchef finalist, and Lawrence Butler, Vanderlyle prides itself on working closely with local suppliers, serving up a truly seasonal menu that celebrates simple, unfussy food. Open four days a week, the restaurant also offers select diners a unique chef’s table experience. Additionally, up to four guests are able to be seated at the Dekton pass with views directly into the kitchen, watching their dinners be prepared and served in an intimate setting.

During the process of renovating the establishment prior to opening, Alex and Lawrence discovered a multitude of paint layers on the walls, created collaboratively by generations of previous occupants. This inspired the interior design of the restaurant, which juxtaposes the raw, stripped back walls with modern painted joinery and brass elements for a minimal, industrial edge which reflects the relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant.

The restaurant’s surfaces are a stand-out feature of the restaurant’s open design. Fabricated and installed by Cambridge-based Eadonstone, three different Dekton designs were chosen for the space, helping to visually zone the restaurant. Firstly, greeting guests as they enter the restaurant, Dekton Arga from the Stonika collection has been used for the bar area in a chunky 30mm thickness. Inspired by premium natural stone, Arga has creamy undertones which adds a touch of luxury, reflecting the bottles and mirrored backsplash. 12mm Dekton Kira, with its grey base tone and delicate white veining, was selected for the impressive restaurant pass. This doubles up as an intimate ‘chef’s table’ dining area thanks to a deep overhang, made possible thanks to Dekton’s high flexural strength.

Lastly, industrial-look Dekton Nilium, also in 12mm thickness, was the perfect choice for the restaurant’s open kitchen. Permanently on display to diners, the kitchen consists of a length L shaped worktop and a generously proportioned central island, which also houses the kitchen’s hobs and ovens. Thanks to Dekton’s high resistance to heat, Vanderlyle’s chefs can place hot pans or dishes straight down on to the Dekton kitchen countertops and open pass, without fear of damaging the surface. Other benefits that set Dekton apart as the ideal surface for use in professional catering environments include a high resistance to scratches and stains, making for easy cleaning to ensure a hygienic space.

Project details

Name: Vanderlyle Restaurant (https://www.vanderlyle-restaurant.com)

Location: 38-40 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 2AD, UK

Total area m2: c.1000 sq ft

Date: April 2019

Lead Designer: Ash-Lea Charalambous

Fabricator: Eadonstone, Cambridge https://www.eadonstone.co.uk/)

 

Cosentino materials:

Application: Bar countertops

Material: Dekton Arga, Stonika collection

Thickness: 30mm

 

Application: Kitchen open pass

Material: Dekton Kira, Natural collection

Thickness: 12mm

 

Application: Kitchen worktops and island

Material: Dekton Nilium, Industrial collection

Thickness: 12mm