A three-storey, 50,000 sq ft restaurant with 300 covers has opened in Bahrain’s capital city, Manama, thanks in part to the contribution of a British architectural firm that designed the striking building.

London-based architects and designers SHH were appointed to design and brand the venue, named Nu Asia, on behalf of the Al-Hilal Enterprises Group, which is located in the Seef district, to the west of the old city. The restaurant, which is aimed at both a family and young adult demographic, will offer a selection of Asian cuisine.

The building has been designed as three interlocking boxes, each larger than the last, with heights of 8.5m, 9.7m and 12.2m respectively, and clad in timber, glass and stone. The centrepiece of the building is a striking stone entry staircase in Galala marble.

The restaurant has two kitchens – the main one the lower-ground floor also serves other local restaurants owned by the same client. A glazed reception/lobby area contains the circulation, with a second open kitchen on the ground floor is open for diners to see the chefs working.