Kintan Japanese BBQ, High Holborn, London
Project overview
Kintan Japanese BBQ in High Holborn, London was designed to deliver an immersive and authentic yakiniku dining experience, combining the energy of interactive table grilling with a refined and contemporary restaurant interior. As the first authentic Japanese-style yakiniku concept in London, the project required a fit-out approach that balanced atmosphere, operational performance, and a strong connection to the brand’s dining identity.
The interior brings together dark natural textures, bespoke seating layouts, integrated grilling stations, and carefully controlled lighting to create a warm and distinctive hospitality environment. The result is a restaurant space that feels intimate and atmospheric while remaining highly practical for busy service periods and interactive dining.
This project reflects our expertise in delivering specialist restaurant fit-out projects in London, particularly for Japanese restaurant concepts where customer experience, technical coordination, and spatial planning are equally important.
Design and concept
The design concept for Kintan Japanese BBQ was developed to reflect the bold, social, and sensory nature of Japanese yakiniku dining. Rich timber finishes, dark metal details, warm lighting, textured surfaces, and subtle greenery were used to create a contemporary restaurant interior with depth, character, and a strong visual identity.
The space was designed to feel welcoming yet dramatic, supporting the theatre of guests grilling their own carefully sourced meats and ingredients at the table. Built-in smokeless roasters form an essential part of the restaurant concept, and their integration into each dining table helps define the unique nature of the customer experience.
Decorative wall details, booth-style seating, intimate dining zones, and layered materials contribute to a restaurant interior that feels both modern and authentic, while reinforcing the communal and interactive spirit of Japanese barbecue dining.
Layout and residential functionality
The layout was carefully planned to support the operational demands of a high-performing Japanese BBQ restaurant while maintaining comfort and flow throughout the customer journey. Seating arrangements were designed to accommodate both smaller groups and larger shared dining occasions, with table layouts centred around the built-in smokeless roasters that are essential to the yakiniku concept.
Circulation routes, service access, and dining zones were organised to support efficient staff movement and a comfortable guest experience, even during busy periods. The use of booths, semi-private seating areas, and open dining rows helps create a varied but cohesive interior environment, allowing the space to feel intimate without becoming enclosed.
The design supports a practical hospitality setting where technical requirements, dining comfort, and atmosphere work together seamlessly, creating a strong balance between back-of-house efficiency and front-of-house experience.
Delivery and fit-out
This project was delivered with a strong emphasis on technical coordination, hospitality function, and finish quality. Particular attention was given to the integration of built-in smokeless roasters, table layouts, ventilation requirements, bespoke seating, and durable restaurant-grade materials suited to a high-traffic dining environment.
The fit-out scope included interior finishing, dining area installation, fixed seating, decorative features, lighting, washroom detailing, and coordinated operational elements throughout the restaurant. Materials and finishes were selected not only for their visual impact but also for durability, maintenance, and performance in a busy central London restaurant setting.
Kintan Japanese BBQ demonstrates our capability as a London fit out contractor to deliver specialist restaurant interiors that combine authentic dining concepts, practical hospitality planning, and a memorable branded environment.
