After 25 years of existence, the interior of the restaurant of the theatre "La Poste" was worn out and no longer up to date. Many elements had reached their lifespan. An extensive renovation of the restaurant and the building services was indicated. While the La Poste Culture and Congress Centre is well known in Valais and operates at a high level (investments in technology, infrastructure, etc. were made here over the years), the restaurant had a rather shadowy existence. The restaurant was to provide the same level of gastronomy as the cultural offer - a meeting place before and after the theatre, a place that is sought after for its culinary and spatial quality. A place in the centre of Visp, where locals and foreigners meet to eat. The municipality as the owner wanted to set a good example and make a mark with the contemporary design of the restaurant. For all these reasons a facelifting was urgently needed.

Concept and idea

The restaurant was redesigned as a theatre restaurant to complement the concert and theatre stage. The idea was to create a ''stage for the audience" where people meet for lunch or before and after the theatre. The buffet with bar was completely renewed and visually opened. The bar now allows a view from north to south up to the terrace. A lounge at the entrance invites you to linger. The dining room has been opened to the guest room, creating a large, high room. By means of two large sliding doors and tight curtains it is possible to divide and use this room as desired.

The suspended ceiling was removed, so that the whole height of the room can be experienced. The concrete ceiling and the new ventilation system were made visible. Acoustic panels on different levels define a new horizon and contribute to good room acoustics. The new flooring of dark, oiled oak parquet together with the new oak furniture gives the room a homely atmosphere. On the remaining walls the artist Pascal Seiler designed alienated photo wallpapers with scenes from the theatre. Together with the curtains, which also refer to the stage, a coloured background is created. The importance of lighting has become increasingly important in the gastronomy.

The gastronomy lives from directed light - glasses and cutlery shine and the food is in the centre of attention. The lighting concept creates direct table lighting by means of flexible spots on power rails. Supports, walls and curtains are also illuminated with spots and thus receive the desired depth. New, uniform furniture made of dark oak wood completes the concept. All in all, a warm, harmonious atmosphere has been created with a rather reserved colour scheme that appeals to a wide audience. It has been shown that the investment has paid off: the restaurant is highly appreciated and has been able to increase its turnover massively.

Material Used:

1. Bauwerk Parkett

2. Furniture : Horgen Glarus