A true destination for dining, mixing and socialising, Al Mamlaka Social Dining has established a new standard for food hall development in the Middle East.
After early-stage discussions with stakeholders about the venue’s overarching goals, TGP set out to transform the underutilised top floor of the iconic Kingdom Centre’s mall complex into a premier dining destination.
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Al Mamlaka Social Dining
Interior Design (Bar & Restaurant Built)
Firm
TGP International
Architect/Designer
Raquel Camino
Design Team
Raquel Camino Garcia, Gabriel Murrey, Jemina Louise Adewole, Georges Saiby, Claire Richmond, Vinoth Mudaliar, Wajdi Hmmouda, Magdalene Sylvie Welch, Laura Vaglio, Cheryl Sheppard, Georges Gkolemas and Daniel Morgan
Location
Riyadh
Country
Saudi Arabia
Photographer/Copyright
©Gavriil Papadiotis
Website
https://almamlakasocialdining.com/
At its core, the brief was to establish a dynamic social hub that transcended conventional Saudi dining norms, long characterised by exclusive restaurants and fine dining venues. As such, ‘social dining’ emerged as a central pillar during concept development.
Today, Al Mamlaka Social Dining features 21 distinct dining experiences and spans 2,400 square metres, showcasing a blend of open-kitchen layouts, eight new-to-market brands; established and emerging local talents; and, the involvement of five award-winning global chefs.
Curating a unified customer experience while celebrating the unique identity of each F&B concept, Al Mamlaka Social Dining envelops the space with its sophisticated blend of rustic elegance and modern flair, tying everything together with an overarching message of inclusivity, diversity, and community.
A pivotal aspect of the design was the integration of an open kitchen approach, drawing diners’ attention to the culinary excitement and energy. This design strategy aimed to create a theatrical ambiance, enhancing the overall dining experience and showcasing a unique style of entertainment for an audience that increasingly demands social and inclusive dining experiences.
Overlooking the gardens outside, we felt it important to create an indoor-outdoor narrative and usher in natural greenery, which would flow throughout the interior design plan through soothing natural colour pallets, shades of green, curated materials, indoor plants and textures like rattan and wood. When opened, the 8m bi-folding door would give way to an outdoor terrace where a 27m fascia seamlessly integrates the two spaces and establishes an alfresco dining experience and a harmonious blend of authentic nature and interior design.
Meanwhile, a diverse seating experience, including low banquette seats, traditional table set-ups and counter options, creates a playful yet sophisticated atmosphere. This flexibility is complemented by the sheer variety of food offerings, from fine dining style plate options to indulgent deserts and delicatessen offerings, with interior design elements also changing throughout the venue to match the space’s four major zones: Coffee and Breakfast, The International Collection, Deli Dining, and Destination Restaurants.
We envisioned a space that captures the crisp freshness of mornings and the revitalising charm of afternoons, seamlessly transitioning into an atmosphere of refined elegance as evening unfolds. This is enhanced by the warm glow of rustic lighting and the inviting allure of deep, rich tones.
Importantly, the venue serves as a platform for sustainable hospitality too, championing local talent, brands and materials, such as locally produced stone-made terrazzo countertops and an array of marbles. We believe the success of this project can be marked by the incredible reception it has received since its opening and its ongoing commitment to the idea that F&B design can be a powerful vehicle in providing genuine value to communities.