{
  "id": 15693249,
  "title": "Meet the designers making London restaurants less loud and clattery",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/meet-the-designers-making-london-restaurants-less-loud-and-clattery",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-20T03:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/meet-the-designers-making-london-restaurants-less-loud-and-clattery/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "London's restaurant scene is grappling with an issue that has plagued establishments for decades: acoustics. Many restaurants have acoustics so poor that patrons can't even hold a conversation, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction. Interior design firm Fabled Studios and Sandy Brown Acoustics are tackling this problem head-on, seeking to create a more pleasant dining experience through improved sound design.\n\nSteven Saunders, co-founder of Fabled Studios, explains that restaurants often overlook the importance of good acoustics until patrons start complaining about the noise. Bob Albon, founder of Sandy Brown Acoustics, agrees, stating that it defeats the purpose of dining out if one can't hear each other while enjoying a meal. The ideal dining experience, according to Saunders and Albon, is one where conversation flows effortlessly amidst the ambiance.\n\nOne of the most effective ways to combat noisy venues is by using absorbent plaster on ceilings and walls. This material, which has been used since the 1920s, can be mixed with various substances such as cork, wood, mineral wool, or recycled glass granulate to reduce sound reflection. Modern variants of this plaster are designed to look like traditional plaster, making them virtually invisible while still providing excellent sound absorption.\n\nOther restaurateurs have taken a more creative approach to sound design. For example, Core by Clare Smyth, one of six thrice-Michelin-starred restaurants in London, incorporates sound-dampening techniques into its decoration, creating the perfect atmosphere. Smyth achieved this by using absorbent Irish linen to wrap the walls around the room, stitched with copper thread to recreate the grapevine from Clare's logo.\n\nSimple fixes like drapes and rugs can also make a significant difference in reducing noise levels. David Graham, director of Sound Division, points out that interior designers often struggle with incorporating sound dampening materials due to their visual impact. However, he believes that with a bit of creativity and flexibility, designers can find ways to integrate these elements seamlessly into the space.\n\nThe Cognitive Load Index, developed by Sonic Design Studios, provides a unique solution to measuring the sound quality of restaurants. This index rates venues on a scale of 1-100 based on factors such as surfaces, occupancy, and the time of day, helping diners determine how challenging it might be to hold a conversation in a particular establishment.",
  "summary": "Why do so many restaurants get their acoustics all messed up? Is sound the final frontier of luxury? Adam Bloodworth spoke to the experts attempting to quieten the cacophony A pal’s in town. You’ve booked a trendy new restaurant. It’s been a while and you’re looking forward to catching up. There’s one issue: the place [...]",
  "key_points": [
    "London restaurants struggle with poor acoustics, making conversation difficult",
    "Fabled Studios and Sandy Brown Acoustics aim to improve sound design in dining spaces",
    "Absorbent plaster and creative techniques like Irish linen wraps help reduce noise levels"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing acoustic design over purely visual aesthetics allows restaurateurs to protect the social essence of dining by transforming noisy environments into spaces where conversation remains the primary focus.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}