Our next nominee for the 2015 Boschendal Style Award is owned by husband and wife team, John and Maira Koutsoudakis, who also own design company, Life Interiors + Architecture + Creative Direction. Life Grand Café Hyde Park, part of the Life Grand Group, combines chic and sumptuous finishes with raw textures to create a beautiful and contemporary space. Here’s why Life Grand Café Hyde Park deserves its nomination.

The space

Designed by the multiple-award-winning Life Interiors team, each of the Life Grand Cafés has its own signature look and feel. At Hyde Park, the juxtaposition of subdued neutral tones with flashes of extravagance makes for an eatery that is both accessible and luxurious.

The interior at the Life Grand Cafe in Hyde Park. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The finer details

The Hyde Park restaurant is sophisticated and minimalist, designed to please the senses and persuade guests to linger in its glamorous, home-away-from-home interior. The space is clad in pale wood and crisp white, with brass walls and rich accents of warm gold stone. Smooth, flawless marble contrasts with raw finishes like concrete; the hand-beaten bar counters adding a certain eclectic feel, the cosy fireplace a welcoming warmth. On the floor, hundreds of used bullets, collected by John at local rifle ranges, create a glittering mosaic effect. The chandeliers suspended above the chic champagne and salad bars are made entirely from delicate, glittering glass spheres. Reminiscent of bubbles, these add a certain playfulness to the space.

Lemonade with slices of lemon at the Life Grand Cafe in Hyde Park. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The cuisine

This popular eatery is well known for its worldly and wide-ranging menu, which features breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Dishes range from English classics to Spanish tapas, though it is the exquisite sushi which really draws in the crowds. Some of the favourites include spicy salmon spring rolls, yellowtail tartare, and delectable fashion sandwiches with crab or spicy tuna.

Does Life Grand Café have what it takes to win the 2015 Boschendal Style Award? We’ll reveal the winner at the 2015 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards on Sunday 15 November.

The cuisine at the Life Grand Cafe in Hyde Park. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.