Light Forms mixes traditional with modern for Medlock Canteen lighting design

Medlock Canteen is a unique dining experience set in the middle of the new Deansgate Square development in Manchester. The eatery is a blend of two distinct styles of restaurant – the laid-back, accessible feel of American diners, combined with the high-end hospitality of Parisian bistros.

The restaurant boasts a casual and welcoming atmosphere, offering an all-day menu from breakfast through to dinner and post-work drinks, including bottomless coffees, a tantalising range of sandwiches, and the only restaurant rotisserie oven in Manchester, with whole chickens and sides available to eat in or take away.

R2A Architects were assigned to create the design for the new restaurant, collaborating with long-time supplier Light Forms to provide the perfect solutions for the brand. The design brief was to create a raw, traditional diner experience with modern twists, where the lighting elicits a simple, yet effective atmosphere.

The lighting effect was achieved by using a dynamic mixture of track spotlights and downlights to create pools of light throughout the space, suspended over the tables and chairs to highlight the palette of the food, while also providing a warm and cosy atmosphere. A range of Light Forms fixtures were used to achieve this design, including Nova62 track spots which maintain a minimal design to blend seamlessly into the overall space, recessed Carina 86 downlights which offer a high lumen output within a subtle design, TinCan surface downlights, Track EMLED emergency lighting, Micro-S RGBW clean and compact luminaires which provide direct illumination housed in a minimalist aesthetic, and a Powergear track system which is the ideal solution for subtle designs.

The layered lighting does an excellent job at highlighting the plush mustard material of the high seating, bringing out the rich oxblood leather of the booths and stools, while reflecting off the bright tiles of the bar and kitchen area to bring each space to life. The result is an informal, laid-back restaurant with stunning designs, which is popular with diners from dawn until late and has already found its way onto The Good Food guide.

Richard Eastwood, Director at R2A, said, “Our firm was thrilled to work once again with our long-standing partner Light Forms, bringing stunning illumination and innovative lighting effects to our interior design schemes. Medlock Canteen has the perfect atmosphere for people relaxing drinking coffee, meeting for a hearty lunch or dinner, to those catching up for drinks after work. We are proud to add this brand to our portfolio of high profile hospitality projects, alongside Gordon Ramsay, Nobu, and Guy Fieri.”

Paul Shoosmith, Director at Light Forms, added, “It was a joy to work with the incredible team at R2A Architects, bringing their striking scheme for Medlock Canteen to life with our range of creative lighting solutions. This lively community setting has the perfect blend of vibrance and warm ambience, suitable for all dining settings and bringing a sense of America and Paris to the centre of Manchester.”

Client: Medlock.

Architects: R2A.

Contractors: Silverglide.

Lighting Manufacturer: Light Forms.

Photography: Brotherton Lock.