Bar & Restaurant Interior Design for The Forum, Sheffield
Forum, a well-established bar and restaurant in Sheffield’s city centre, approached Orka Interiör with a pressing challenge. As student habits shifted towards daytime socialising in coffee shops rather than evening outings, Forum needed to adapt its lower bar area to meet changing customer needs.
The project brief called for a transformation of the space into a versatile coffee shop and bistro that could operate throughout the day and into the evening. We responded with a comprehensive redesign strategy aimed at attracting a broader customer base across extended trading hours.
Bar Area Transformation
The redesign began with significant modifications to the bar area. The counter was elevated to create a more approachable coffee service point, and floating shelves were added to the back bar to display a range of freshly baked goods. These changes immediately signalled the venue’s new daytime offerings to customers.
Atmosphere and Branding Refresh
To create a more inviting atmosphere suitable for daytime use, the entire area was redecorated in lighter tones. This refreshed look was complemented by new internal and external signage that reflected Forum’s updated identity and offerings.
Seating was a crucial element of the redesign. Orka Design introduced a mix of seating options to cater to different customer needs and times of day. Soft, lounge-style seating areas were created for those seeking a relaxed coffee experience. These were balanced with more practical dining-height
