Giraffe World Kitchen and Harrison launch eco-focused restaurant

The new restaurant is opening in Manchester Airport Terminal 2.

Giraffe World Kitchen appointed full-service 360 brand and design agency Harrison, the full, as their strategic partner for the design and creation of its new sustainability-focused restaurant in Manchester Airport Terminal 2.

The new restaurant was built using reclaimed and recycled materials wherever possible, such as repurposed furniture and lighting from other closed or refurbished sites. When new materials did need to be sourced, these included ethically sourced leather for seating, and sustainably sourced tiles from factories using 100% self-generated electricity. 

The new restaurant also incorporated local elements inspired by Manchester and the surrounding areas to create a distinct dining experience whilst retaining the core Giraffe look and feel.
 
Faux greenery installations add life to existing illuminated hexagons, whilst warm terracotta render breaks up grey tones, and rustic, reclaimed timber cladding adorns existing seating.

The space also includes a bright, bold-coloured glazed screen partially obscuring the open kitchen. It also has Herringbone-laid teal tiles in the back bar area whilst iconic Giraffe-coloured leather upholstery maintains brand consistency. The floor has geometric patterned tiles, and eye-catching yellow tiles clad the existing bar front to inject energy in the space. Hexagon teal tiles also serve as a feature on the current pass front, and colourful potted plants soften the overall design, creating a welcoming atmosphere for diners.

According to Victoria Limer, Team Manager and Senior Designer at Harrison, their challenge was to breathe new life into the space.

“Airports are by their nature an odd environment. The majority of people there are somewhat in a state of limbo waiting for their time to take off, mixed with excitement and anticipation of the trip to come. It’s a captive audience, but also one filled with all sorts of choice at all hours of the day. We wanted to ensure this Giraffe is a place for people to be ablet to take a breath and relax pre-flight. All while delivering a fresh, inviting atmosphere and an evolution of the brand people have known and loved for decades,” Limer said.

Giraffe World Kitchen is now in 10 airports globally.