Good dining in Helsinki downtown

When Michelin award-winning chef Jari Vesivalo and his wife Anna Rätö outlined their long-standing dream of having their own restaurant, they immediately decided to draw on the expertise of the best professionals in the field. The aim was to create a restaurant where people could sit down and enjoy good food in the spirit of "good dining". Flock Oy was asked to help with the design and implementation of the interior design and brand image.

A suitable space for the restaurant, seating around 60 people, had already been found on Yrjönkatu in the Art Nouveau building managed by Trevian. The space, which once also served as a site restaurant, required a complete renovation of both the hall and the kitchen. Flock's task, together with other key people, was to design the brand image, spaces and interior design in line with Jason's concept.

"Restaurant Jason's visual identity was designed around the same values as the restaurant itself: quality and craftsmanship at the heart of the brand. Jason's brand represents a modern and relaxed restaurant culture, where the visual identity is an important part of the overall high quality experience. The finishing identity is expressed in small details, such as carefully considered layouts and material choices," say designers Joonas Jansson and Aleksi Mustonen, commenting on Jason's branding work.

The aim of the space and interior design was to create a stylish living room for casual evening dining and socialising. The space was naturally divided into three different functions: a library bar with a safe converted into a wine storage room. In the centre is the hall, where the bar counter and most of the customer seating is located. At the rear of the space is a cabinet which can be converted into a private function room if required.

"The bar counter was designed to be inviting, so that you can also dine at it and enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant. The lighting was kept atmospheric and warm. Jason's own curtain lights were designed into the ceiling to add softness to the space and improve the acoustics of the restaurant. The colour scheme was kept simple and calm. The dark walnut-coloured herringbone parquet adds warmth and softness to the interior of the space," says the architect Anna Kyyhkynen.

"The Flock team quickly grasped our vision and aspirations. They made great use of their own networks and partners to bring the restaurant to life. We are really happy not only with the end result, but also with the process itself. This project was a pleasure to work on," say Jari and Anna.