“From the smallest cushion on the couches through to the three kitchens where you can dance behind the stove like never before. Everything in The Jane is the result of a conversation, a discussion, a negotiation. And everything has come about because of the people around us” - Chef Sergio Herman, co-owner of The Jane.

Michelin-star chef Sergio Herman and chef Nick Bril brought their vision to life when they created their “fine dining meets rock n’ roll” restaurant with interior design studio Piet Boon four years ago. After three long years of brainstorming, planning, and designing, the 2-Michelin star restaurant finally opened their doors to the world, combining elegant, old-worldly charm with a hint of rock n’ roll. What may seem like an odd pairing of design elements somehow worked together beautifully, resulting in a full-sensory dining experience where food, design and art come together.

Housed inside a Chapel of a former military hospital, only selective areas were chosen to be renovated to preserve the chapel’s charming characteristics. Building materials were chosen for their quality to “age-beautifully” based on the owners' and designer’s shared belief in authenticity and functionality. Perhaps the most pronounced statement is the original ceiling, which gives guests the feeling that they are truly dining in a century-old chapel. The original altar gives way to the kitchen, which is enveloped by a glass enclosure, allowing guests to witness the culinary process.

Natural stone, leather and oak wood are used in the interior. To create the “Rock n’ Roll” theme of the restaurant, Piet Boon studio was collaborated with a number of creative partners to devise individual custom pieces unique to the theme. Job Smeets and Nynke Tynagel of Studio Jobs designed the statement stained glass windows consisting of 500 unique panels. Inspired by the chapel’s original function, you will find foam spatulas, sunflowers, devils, skulls, babies, Jesus on a cross, dice, apple cores, wrenches, ice cream cones, a canon, croissants, and many more eclectic designs. Archetypes from various worlds showcase stories of good and evil, rich and poor, life and death as well as good food and religion.

In the center of the aged ceiling is an astounding 800-kilogram chandelier, with over 150 lights designed by Beirut-based design studio .PSLAB. The team, specialized in the design and production of site-specific contemporary lighting, laid out an overall lighting plan for The Jane to accentuate the unique elements of both the building and interior, giving the space the desired ambience by integrating engineering and artistry.

The team has also invested a considerable effort into the restaurant's layout, where even the placement of utility space holds meaning. “Food is our religion. That is why the kitchen in the Jane is located on the altar, like a shrine in a chapel” says the restaurant.

With its painstaking attention to detail backed by culinary, art, and design masterminds, it is no surprise that The Jane continues to win accolades and international praise to this day. Follow the links below to learn more about the restaurant and interior design team.

The Jane Restaurant
https://www.thejaneantwerp.com/
Paradeplein 1, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium

Piet Boon Studio
https://pietboon.com

Photography by
Richard Powers