Somerset Residence, an upper-scale, full-service hotel, has been a key player in Qatar's hospitality market for over 12 years. As part of its refurbishment to stay competitive for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022, Daya was tasked with transforming the hotel’s 275 m² all-day dining restaurant to accommodate guests while enhancing Somerset’s brand experience.

• Increased seating capacity to 102 with an innovative live cooking station.
• Created a flexible space that integrates indoor and outdoor seating.
• Introduced a 'grab & go' counter to cater to busy guests.

Daya conducted a thorough competitor analysis, identifying 63 fine dining restaurants within a 15-minute walking radius. Our approach was to enhance Somerset’s restaurant offering by focusing on brand experience, operational efficiency, and customer empathy. We proposed a social marketplace concept for the restaurant, combining a bustling breakfast turnover with a serene and intimate setting for lunch, dinner, and social hours.

A key feature of the design is a 20-meter live cooking track made of Carrera marble, which runs parallel to the kitchen and service core lobby, creating visual engagement between the guests and staff. The restaurant offers 102 indoor seats, with direct views of the outdoor pool and garden, and a 2-meter circulation spine that comfortably accommodates different activities within the space.

On pleasant weather days, the restaurant seamlessly integrates with outdoor seating through tall, open glass walls, creating a malleable space for seasonal events. For guests in a rush, the restaurant also features a concealed 'grab & go' counter for quick meals during peak hours.

The transformed restaurant increased seating capacity by 24, widened the main circulation area by 1 meter, and introduced a flexible layout that enhances both intimate dining and high turnover times. The addition of the 'grab & go' counter is projected to boost revenue by 15%, providing a convenient option for busy guests. Somerset All Day Dining now extends Somerset’s hospitality by offering a premium dining experience that complements the hotel’s overall brand.