Antwerp, The Jane Restaurant

THE JANE RESTAURANT

Hidden among Antwerp’s elegant streets is the charming corner where the former chapel of a military hospital is now consecrated for secular use as the acclaimed The Jane restaurant.

Opened by multi-award-winning chef Sergio Herman and Nick Bril, the restaurant is the product of the close working relationship between the two owners, the architects from the Belgian Piet Boon architectural firm and the Lebanese .PSLAB interior design firm. While a conservative approach prevailed in updating the building’s exterior, maintaining the city’s typical red brick, the interiors introduce a spectacular interplay between the spaces of the deconsecrated chapel and the contemporary language of the lighting and furnishings.

Despite the grandiose appearance and eccentricity of some pieces, the dialog between past and present is never harsh, thanks to the expertly modulated color palette and the innovative shapes of the light fixtures.

The restaurant’s original ceiling establishes a pure, restrained and respectful atmosphere.

The original altar allowed the kitchen – just like the atelier – to be surrounded by glass, giving it the appearance of a modern sanctuary. Thus, the guests have a front row seat for the kitchen’s creative process. The passion for working with pure, rich materials shared by Herman, Bril and Boon is expressed in this interior crafted from natural stone, leather and oak.

The designer furnishings, especially the series of Feel Good armchairs designed by Antonio Citterio and upholstered in an elegant sage green velvet fabric, are perfectly coordinated with this context.

In 2015, The Jane in Antwerp was awarded the title of best restaurant in the world for its fascinating design.

Architecture: Studio Piet Boon

Creative partners: Studio Job, Mathieu Nab and .PSLAB