On 14 June 2018 the shortlist for the Restaurant Bar & Design Awards was announced, with Rockets in Joburg as one of Africa’s contenders.

Rockets restaurant. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Restaurant & Bar Design Awards is currently in its tenth year and is a globally recognised competition dedicated to the design of food and beverage spaces. Contenders include ships, airports, museums, burger vans, Michelin-starred restaurants and pop-ups. Rockets has been shortlisted in four categories: Biophilic Design, Murals and Graffiti, Middle East and Africa Bar, and Middle East & Africa Restaurant.

Some of the design elements, inspired by nature. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Owner Sean Barber says the restaurant’s design forms part of the Rockets philosophy of breaking boundaries, and this recognition proves that they’re doing so on a global level. “From the outset we set out for international acclaim, because the criteria and conceptual designs that are out there internationally are at the frontier of creativity,” says Sean. “From every item on our menu through to our décor and the unique ambience in our establishments, we set out to cater for an exceptional dining experience.”

One of the Rockets murals. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Restaurant Bar & Design Awards will be assigned winners this year by 45 judges from all around the world, including Whitney Robinson, editor-in-chief of Elle Décor USA; Rebecca Anne Proctor, editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar and Interiors UAE; Michelle Ogundehin, editor-at-large of Elle Decoration UK; David Moralejo, editor-in-chief at Condé Nast Traveller Spain; and Filippo Romeo, managing editor of Elle Décor Italy.

The winners of the 2018 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards will be announced during a ceremony at London’s King’s Cross on 4 October.

We’re holding thumbs!