Telling Stories in Plaster: Bespoke Design for The Berkeley Bar & Terrace

The Berkeley Bar & Terrace, located in the heart of Knightsbridge, is an elegant, intimate space known for its exceptional design and deep-rooted storytelling. Designed by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, this luxurious London bar beautifully integrates history, craftsmanship, and refined contemporary detailing.

Our role in this special commission was to deliver a range of artisan plasterwork and architectural features that harmonised with the bar’s narrative-driven interior. Every piece was custom made to reflect the story and spirit of the space — combining luxury interior detailing with heritage design techniques.

Key Elements of the Project

Bespoke Fluted Fireplace Surround
We designed and installed a stunning fluted fireplace, a sculptural focal point in the bar that complemented the organic, natural materials used throughout the space. This element drew on classical motifs reinterpreted in a contemporary setting.

Curved Ceiling Mouldings and Light Troughs
Our work included sleek, curved ceiling details and hidden light troughs to create ambient lighting effects. This required expert ceiling plastering design and seamless installation to work alongside lighting specialists and interior designers.

Bespoke Columns and Feature Wall Panel
Perhaps the most unique element was the creation of a 6-metre decorative wall panel — a piece of storytelling in plaster. Designed to echo the history of the Duke of Wellington, the panel illustrates how he courted his lady beneath one of the UK’s largest walnut trees. The woodwork in the bar was in fact crafted from that very tree. Upon close inspection, guests can discover sculpted motifs including the Duke’s residence, the iconic tree, and delicate flora and fauna from its historic gardens.

Design Narrative and Collaboration

The Berkeley Bar & Terrace is a space rich in symbolism. According to The Berkeley Hotel, the walnut tree forms a powerful narrative thread throughout the space, with natural textures, hand-finished materials, and bespoke elements like our plaster panel adding tactile warmth and visual storytelling.

Every plaster element was created using traditional techniques and modern tools, highlighting the versatility of fibrous plaster as both a practical and artistic medium. Our collaboration with Bryan O’Sullivan Studio ensured every detail aligned with the broader design intent, making this one of the most rewarding and intricate plaster installation projects we’ve undertaken in recent years.

Architectural Storytelling in Plaster

Plaster isn’t just for ceilings and cornices. In this project, it became a storytelling tool — one that seamlessly blends heritage, symbolism, and contemporary luxury. From architectural wall panels to fluted fireplace surrounds, our materials and techniques were selected for timelessness, refinement, and visual storytelling.

This project exemplifies our skill in decorative wall panels, plaster column detailing, and luxury interior finishes – offering a sensory experience rooted in craft.

Discover our work in other iconic London landmarks such as Claridge’s Restaurant and The Blue Bar, where storytelling meets master craftsmanship in every curve, carving, and cornice.