The design concept for Manchester’s Caravan was brought to us by interior design studio Other Side, who collaborated closely with Caravan’s founders and creative team. The founders of the Caravan chain were keen to keep the Manchester branch in the style of their native New Zealand, providing a bright and airy space that ensures a laid back and buzzy atmosphere throughout the day.
Operating as an all-day venue, the menu provides diners with breakfast through to dinner. This means that the restaurant design needed to suit a varied crowd, from early risers to leisurely lunchers and late-night socialisers.
Situated in the new district at St John’s in Manchester city, the venue is extensive with 200 covers. The restaurant seating required banquettes to line the exposed walls and retractable windows, along with u-shaped booths that section off the large open plan space.
The unique fabric choice fits the brief for an all-day venue, creating a comfortable base for day diners and a cosy interior in the evenings under the warm lighting. The seat backs have been upholstered in a textured weave upholstery cover where the multi-tonal yarns are woven together to create an earthy aesthetic. The base of the seats contrast the texture of the backs, the faux leathers providing practicality and smoothness. Where the banquette seating construction frame is exposed in cappings, plinths and backs, the structure has been finished with a clear matt lacquer to leave a natural oak look.
The installation went smoothly, as the units were manufactured perfectly to fit right into the designated spots. Bringing the interior design plan to life, the banquette seats look fabulous in the bright daylight as well as under the warm glow of the evening lighting. Caravan is a finalist for a number of accolades at the Casual Dining Awards 2025, including the award for Best Designed Site of the Year.
"Atlas Contract Furniture were a great help with this project, very supportive selecting fabrics, finishes and working to a budget. Everyone involved throughout the design had excellent communication and we couldn't be happier with the end results. The fixed seating is fantastic, and we will very much be working with Atlas again." - Laura Bowman and Gavin Mayaveram, founders of Other Side.
Photography by Mariell Lind Hansen
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