Once the watery domain of galleons and pirates, the allure of its tropical islands remains as intoxicating as it ever was.
The Bearded Rose on the island of Barbados is part of Tim Oulton’s larger concept of hospitality offerings connected across the globe. In classic Timothy Oulton style the initially perplexing pairing of ‘beard’ and ‘rose’, tells the story of the island’s bearded fig trees with their shady green canopies and hanging aerial roots teamed with Timothy Oulton’s ubiquitous red roses, the rugged and the romantic all in a kind of Barbadian Sea Shanty.
The open courtyard has been with planted with masses of tropical foliage around clusters of shady umbrellas, the space coming to life at sundown as the twinkling chandeliers along the colonnaded verandahs usher in the cooler evenings. The brief was to create a place of ‘humble luxury’ where the essence of the Timothy Oulton brand can display the tasteful tension between grit and elegance.
An existing bar at the centre of the space has been reclad with bold monochromatic marble facings. These beacons have been inspired by Razzle Dazzle, the patterns used as British naval camouflage and devised to deceive enemy attack during WWII. The bespoke patterns of white Carrera and black marble have been intricately cut for each of the six columns and create a focal point for the entire courtyard.
Behind the jaunty columns, the illuminated moonstone of the TO Classic Bar has been customised to create open service counters on all four sides. Paired with sparkly Night Rod chandeliers and a pair of Rex Bio Hazard bottle cabinets on elevated stands, the raw reclaimed timber and leather barstools link to the natural textures of the Coral Stone courtyard paving.
A mix of dining and lounge groupings under timber and canvas umbrellas create a relaxed but elegant tropical ambience. Natural timber tables are teamed with other roughly hewn stone tables and stools under lush plantings. Rattan sofas with soft upholstery around large root tables form more laid-back lounge areas. Nearby sits another Timothy Oulton Studio classic, the Birds Nest. An elevated aerie of woven rattan and soft upholstery around a ceramic stone table, it’s the perfect spot for small groups to enjoy the balmy nights.
The Birds Nest – a Timothy Oulton Studio classic, the perfect spot to enjoy and intimate dinner or drinks.
Natural wicker stools paired with solid stone tables for casual seating areas.
With seasonally-led menus curated with local ingredients, it is a tasteful ode to both Barbadian & British elements – creating a curious balance of worlds apart.