Member Article

SoLIta Didsbury opens its doors after creative direction by architecture & interior design practice DV8 Designs

After much anticipation, SoLIta Didsbury has opened its doors to the public revealing its modernist interior inspired by DV8 Designs’ creative storyboards.

Impressing co-owners Franco Sotgiu and Simon Pogson with their bespoke strategic direction, the Warrington-based architecture and interior design practice headed by Lee Birchall, led the innovative design concept to transform the former Cibo site into a contemporary urban eatery.

Mirroring the Northern Quarter SoLIta, the new venue features vibrant colour schemes, quirky neon light installations, as well as exclusive artwork produced by the official illustrator for New Yorker Stan Chow, and the renowned Manchester graffiti muralist Russell Mehan.

Lee said: “Our objective was come up with a design that would incorporate the signature urban attributes from the site’s highly-renowned sister venue, whilst forming an original twist.

“Therefore, we produced a diverse array of creative storyboards, which encouraged Franco and Simon to go ahead with the ultra-modern and playful designs. We were also responsible for getting on-board the fantastic artists, who added to the quirky interior.”

Established in 2013, SoLIta on Turner Street, Manchester, was set up to deliver a fresh thinking American-Italian eatery. As a result of its success and on-going popularity, the new Didsbury site aims to accommodate the more suburban crowd.

Franco said: “At last we’re here. We took our time, hoping to get it just right. We had to completely gut the kitchen and the interior has been transformed. As for the food – we’ve added to the menu, which we know is loved in Manchester but we wanted to add a lighter touch too.”

DV8 Designs, which was established in 2006, has attained high acclaim through their impressive and diverse portfolio that includes residential, bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels, leisure centres, swimming pools, spas, golf clubs and offices.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jack Woods .