London Zoo’s reinvention (its ‘Zoo Lates’ summer night event is a racy staple for young adults on the prowl), included architect and designer SHH’s appointment to transform its restaurant – part of a 3-year, £4.6m upgrade of the original 1920s building. Now an area increased by nearly 1000m2 includes two expansive restaurants and much-increased mezzanine floor space to deal with almost 10,000 visitors a day. This involved replacing a 1960s wing with a new tiered extension including a 6m high space at the front, re-revealing arches to the main building. The new structure is all steel columns and plenty of glass, with plant areas hidden by Parklex-clad timber wings. The work has boosted covers from 240 to 700, tripling capacity for all those hungry little monsters.
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