Throwback Thursday: Wetherby Highstreet Restaurant
We take a look back at an iconic project of ours from 20 years ago overlooking the River Wharfe in Wetherby.
The restaurant in 2005
The restaurant, designed between 1999-2000 and completed on-site in 2003, sits in a hugely important gateway site for Wetherby, with all visitors from the North entering the busy town by passing the building. Because of this, the design of the building was of paramount importance, and a number of designs had previously been rejected during the planning process.
Sketches by David Ramsden in November 1999
Initial sketches drawn in 1999 show a scheme closely resembling the final building that still resides there today. The key design impetus during these sketches was to create a building that had minimal impact on the view towards the River Wharfe from the high street, while still creating a memorable and inviting space for people visiting the town looking for a bite to eat.
Initial artist’s impression painted in 2000
The initial artist’s impression painted in 2000 shows a bold and unique space that feels transparent and open, offering views through to the River Wharfe from the high street and the restaurant. A unique circular roof feature highlights the entrance from the high street level and acts as a distinguishing feature that makes the building stand out - even from the North side of the river.
Wetherby A661 looking towards the proposed site in 1999
Wetherby A661 looking towards the restaurant 20 years later in 2019
The high street has changed very little in the past 2 decades, (apart from the unbelievable amount of cars in comparison!) and the restaurant sits seamlessly in the street-scape, allowing the foliage on the opposite river bank to peak its way over the rooftop as the buildings naturally drop down in height towards the river level.
