Aqua Italian – A Mediterranean haven 

Bright Green were approached by Interior Designers Ty & Mor to work on the on the refurbishment of Aqua in Portishead. Run by an independent family business this was one of several restaurants owned in the South West, each with its own unique charm. Ty & Mor had been tasked with revitalising the Bristol venue and had created an earthy Mediterranean theme for the restaurant which serves contemporary Italian cuisine.  

At the initial site meeting we took samples of the foliage that would work best for the Mediterranean concept and worked collaboratively with Ty & Mor to recommend the most impactful planting solutions for their vision and the space itself. Designs often evolve and we pride ourselves on our flexible approach, adapting the banquet seating planting to enhance a change in the lighting scheme.  

On arrival to Aqua customers are now greeted on the front terrace by five beautiful bespoke artificial olive trees, built on real ash stems by our team of tree builders and planted in stylish terracotta vase planters. The tired live planting in the eight existing steel planters has been replaced with UV stable artificial bay and rosemary foliage that won’t fade in the sunshine, ensuring guests always have a vibrant welcome. 

 In the entrance area of the restaurant a multi-stem artificial olive tree climbs up from behind the plush banquet seating and extends across the ceiling alcove to give diners the relaxed ambience of eating beneath its elegant foliage.  

 A 3.2 metre statement olive tree, built on a gorgeous gnarly trunk envelopes the diners within the main restaurant, whilst also disguising one of the structural beams in the bar area. Its magical 3 metre canopy was installed with great creative flair and care by our installation team to have a secure and incredibly realistic finish. The large rustic terracotta planter further embraces the Mediterranean theme. 

 Striking wooden planters sit on the side terrace, filled with a mixture of artificial grasses and Mediterranean style foliage to frame the wonderful views of the Marina. This well thought naturalistic planting scheme blends the alfresco dining areas seamlessly with the interior restaurant, drawing the outside into the heart of the building. Ty & Mor have succeeded in creating an enchanting Mediterranean haven that we are certain guests will savour.