In the competitive world of hospitality, bars and restaurants need to stand out from the crowd – and as customers become ever more discerning when it comes to their drinking and dining experience, outstanding interior design is often the deciding factor in that experience being either memorable or forgettable.

Overall winner, Best Restaurant category – Höst (Denmark) by Norm Architects

In the winning projects at this year’s Restaurant and Bar Design Awards, the focus was on innovative materials and a clever use of colour and texture to create ambience and personality. Copenhagen’s Höst, which won Danish firm Norm Architects the overall award for best restaurant, combines a stripped-back mostly white interior with warm rustic timbers and shades of grey, black and blue, creating a subtle city-meets-country, old-meets-new atmosphere. Atrium Champagne Bar, designed byFoster and Partners for London’s ME Hotel and the overall winner in the Bar category, uses white marble surfaces, contrasting colours and an eye-catching lighting display to create a feeling of contemporary luxury.

Overall winner, Best Bar category – Atrium Champagne Bar (UK) by Foster and Partners

Atrium Champagne Bar (UK)

Shenzhen’s The Feast, designed by Neri & Hu and the winner in this year’s Lighting category, features a multitude of custom glass pendant lights that dot the interior like a starry night sky. Described by the judging panel as “elegant and whimsical”, its contemporary edge is softened with a clever use of material and lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Lighting category winner – The Feast (China) by Neri & Hu

The Feast (China)

Much like The Feast, Shyo Ryu Ken in Tokyo uses warm timber and subtle lighting to soften the effect of its strong lines and geometries. “I’m not so much into minimalism, but this one is very successful,” said Awards judge Mourad Mazouz of the interior. “It’s young and warm for a canteen; the roofs above the booths give you the feeling of being in your own personal space, while still being with others.” The design won STILE the award for best Asian restaurant interior.

Best Asian Restaurant Interior – Shyo Ryu Ken (Japan) by STILE

Shyo Ryu Ken (Japan)

Cronus, a private bar and lounge in Tokyo designed by Doyle Collection, was awarded best Asian bar. Described by the judging panel as “dramatic and contrasting”, its dark, moody interior in mahogany, violet and black is punctuated with Swarovski crystal chandeliers and gold accents. The most unabashedly opulent of this year’s winners, Cronus creates a sophisticated atmosphere through materials that evoke a traditional idea of luxury.

Best Asian Bar – Cronus (Japan) by Doyle Collection

Cronus (Japan)

For the full list of this year’s shortlisted entries and winners, visit the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards website.