The Pelican Club: When Tropical Fantasy Becomes Architectural Theatre on Bahrain’s Waterfront

Project Info

Project Name: The Pelican Club

Design Studio: DLSM Studio

Location: Manama, Bahrain

White columns anchor pastel palette creating theatrical yet approachable atmosphere

An Interior Built on Sensation Rather Than Silence

The Pelican Club does not aim for restraint. From the outset, the design positions itself as a space that actively engages the senses and invites emotional response. DLSM Studio approaches the restaurant not as a neutral backdrop for dining, but as an architectural setting that heightens social interaction and visual pleasure. The result is an interior defined by warmth, vibrancy and a deliberate sense of spectacle.

The design draws inspiration from tropical coastal culture and the expressive elegance of Miami’s art driven environments. Rather than copying stylistic references, the project distills their spirit through colour, texture and light. Rich jewel tones dominate the palette, while golden surfaces and reflective elements amplify movement and atmosphere. These decisions establish a setting that feels celebratory without becoming overwhelming.

Woven canopy defines intimate alcove elevating spatial hierarchy through enclosure

Lighting plays a central role in shaping mood. Soft ambient illumination is paired with accent lighting that highlights sculptural elements and key social zones. Together, they create a layered visual depth that changes throughout the day, allowing the restaurant to transition naturally from daytime dining to evening gatherings.

Striped banquette and brass sconces establish rhythmic pattern across wall

Spatial Composition and the Rhythm of Social Life

The interior layout of The Pelican Club is organized around the idea of fluid social experience. Seating areas shift between open communal zones and more intimate pockets, allowing guests to choose how they engage with the space. Curved forms and softened edges guide movement through the restaurant, creating a sense of continuity rather than rigid separation.

Ornate chandeliers and cane chairs layer texture within open plan

One of the most prominent features is the bar, conceived as a visual and social anchor. Its stained glass composition and warm illumination transform it into a focal point that draws guests inward. Rather than functioning purely as a service element, the bar becomes a spatial landmark that defines the character of the entire venue.

Material selection reinforces this sense of rhythm and tactility. Velvet upholstery, patterned surfaces and decorative lighting fixtures contribute layers of texture that invite close interaction. The design avoids minimalism in favour of richness, creating an environment where detail rewards attention and repeated visits reveal new impressions.

Feathered pendant transforms functional lighting into sculptural focal statement piece

A Contemporary Destination for Bahrain’s Urban Lifestyle

Located within a prominent waterfront development in Manama, The Pelican Club positions itself as more than a restaurant. It operates as a social destination that reflects the city’s evolving cultural and lifestyle aspirations. The design balances international influence with a context sensitive understanding of Bahrain’s growing hospitality scene.

By embracing expressive interiors and a strong atmospheric identity, the project challenges the idea that dining spaces should remain visually quiet. Instead, it proposes that architecture can actively shape experience, encouraging conversation, movement and prolonged occupation. This approach aligns the restaurant with contemporary expectations of hospitality as an immersive and memorable event.

Radiant backlit bar anchors space with dramatic visual and social pull

The Pelican Club ultimately demonstrates how interior architecture can function as a form of storytelling. Through colour, material and spatial sequencing, DLSM Studio crafts an environment that feels alive and dynamic. It is a place where dining becomes performance, and where architecture plays a central role in defining how people gather, connect and celebrate.

PHOTO CREDIT: The Minimal Studio