Winding its way through continents, the Silk Road was an ancient trade route linking East with West. It accelerated the spread of ideas and cultures around the world. No part of this famous route became a more significant cultural melting pot than the stretch that traced its way through Persia and the sun-bleached lands of the Levant.
Countless towns and traders rose up alongside the Silk Road to service and supply the continuous stream of wealthy merchants and nomads. Most famous of all these establishments were the grand inns (caravanserais) offering shelter and refuge to weary wanderers. Smoke (DOOD in Persian) from the crackling coals would blend with the scent of spices and drift across the plains, luring hungry travellers with the promise of amazing flavours. Once inside, guests would be drawn in by the incredible aromas of sizzling meats, mazeh plates & fresh breads.
DOOD brings the ancient flavours of Persia and the Levant back to life on the Quayside of modern Newcastle. The restaurant is housed in a Grade II listed building once home to a map printing house that produced navigational charts for Newcastle’s maritime industry. Today, DOOD is more than just a restaurant. It’s a place where travellers from every part of the world can come together to experience the culinary legacy of the ancient Silk Road.
The lighting design draws extensively on this rich heritage. Our criteria were many and interlocking.
– Very warm colour temperatures, to match firelight (we used 2100 K).
– Small pools of light across the space, creating a feeling of candle light and of intimacy, of clustering around a flaming firepit, waiting expectantly for the meat to sear and the flatbread to rise.
– Decorative fittings in many areas (also with 2100K lamps) enhance the extensive theming of the space and complement the interior design
– Much of the lighting is low down, near the floor, as it would be if it were lit by firelight
– We were not afraid of the dark; islands of light are surrounded by swathes of darkness, and encouraging people to huddle together against the night
