When it comes to good pizza and amazing pasta, Vancouverites know that Nook is the place to go. They have been serving up the goods for years in their established West End and Kitsilano locations, and in 2017 they added a seafood focused restaurant, Oddfish, to their all-star roster. Excited to keep their momentum going, the Nook family looked at the rapidly developing Olympic Village area to do so.
Although the restaurant opened just this fall, our work for the space started years ago in a Pre-Construction capacity before there was even a building located at 195 W 2nd Avenue. By getting involved early in the building planning and development stage, we were able to present layout plans to the developer and their engineers so that the restaurant’s plumbing and electrical needs could be incorporated right into the base-building construction from day one – saving time, headaches, and negotiations later on.
The new space puts food-first. The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into the restaurant is the gigantic and beautifully tiled wood burning pizza oven. Accompanied by a kitchen that spans the length of the restaurant and a massive prep area in the back, Nook means business when it comes to their food.
In addition to being amazing people, what we love about working with the Nook team is that they like to have some fun when it comes to their restaurant design. There is a fun-house style mirror in the hallway on the way to the bathrooms, and each bathroom unit has its own unique, stencil painted floor that is sure to keep you entertained.
The new space expands on the classic Nook concept with its cozy banquettes, plush red seating, and warm cherry wood interior. Our millwork shop was kept very busy building the tables, wall panelling, banquettes, and cabinets throughout the 2,900 square foot space. We also introduced a bit of metal into the millwork by laying strips of copper sheeting into the bulkhead millwork – a small detail for added luxe in the shiny new space.
A visit to any Nook restaurant is a true feast, but their new Olympic Village home is a beauty that provides a feast for your eyes while your mouth devours the burrata.
All photos by Upper Left Photography.
