How British Pubs and the Harrods Food Hall Inspired ‘Top Chef’s’ Latest Set Design
variety.comJazz Tangcay Artisans Editor British pubs and the famous Harrods food hall served as inspiration for Bravo’s new season of “Top Chef.” Award-winning production designer James Pearse Connelly, who has designed the show’s set for nearly a decade, wanted to capture to essence of British culture for his ninth kitchen.
Says Connelly, “It was about how to bring London into the show with all-star chefs from around the world.” Connelly started by looking at how pubs were designed.
He says, “I started with wood paneling and that mystery, intimacy, intrigue and sparkle of what a British pub is.” Additionally, he brought in diamond pane glass and paid homage to London’s famous Big Ben with a round, clock tower-inspired doors.
With former contestants Dawn Burrell, Buddha Lo, Sara Bradley and Amar Santana all competing, Connelly says he wanted to draw on that top-tier quality they were bringing to the show.
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