Designers: Nothing is Not Nothing
Duration: 16 Weeks
Project Type: Hospitality
Client: Don’t Tell Dad
Project Valuation: 450k
Location: Queen’s Park

Don’t Tell Dad: A Bold New Bakery & Restaurant in Queen’s Park

Located in the heart of Queen’s Park, Don’t Tell Dad is a bold and beautifully designed new bakery and restaurant. Our team delivered the full fit-out of this dual-purpose space, working closely with the design team at Nothing is Not Nothing to bring a vibrant, day-to-night concept to life.

The name ‘Don’t Tell Dad’ comes from owner Daniel Land, co-founder of Coco di Mama. It’s a heartfelt tribute to his late sister, Lesley, reflecting their close bond and shared sense of humour. Working alongside Nothing is Not Nothing, we brought Daniel’s vision to life, crafting a space that not only brings people together over great food and coffee, but also carries a deeply personal story at its heart.

Don't Tell Dad Exterior Fit-Out- Carter Newlove Interiors

A Striking First Impression

The red-rust frontage sets the tone from the outset, hinting at what’s to come inside. Stepping through the doors, you’re welcomed into the bakery and takeaway area.

The fit-out covered every detail. In the bakery, a bespoke oak display unit with a reeded glass vitrine and angled pastry case was manufactured and installed to showcase the delicious, freshly baked goods.

Behind the scenes, we worked hand-in-hand with the kitchen supplier to ensure a seamless blend between stainless steel units and our bespoke joinery, achieving a clean, unified finish.

Toward the rear of the space, you’ll find a sweeping curved feature wall, clad in handmade tiles and finished with a custom oak cap, adding a soft, continuous flow through the space.

Don't Tell Dad Bespoke Joinery Entrance
Curved Feature Wall
Don't Tell Dad Bespoke Joinery Entrance

Moving from Bakery to Bar

As you move round, you’ll find the main bar (one of our favourite features) – manufactured from oak-veneered panels with a solid oak top. The brushed copper front adds warmth, while the stools and a matching foot rail are perfectly aligned to the tile layout beneath.

Around the back, the back bar continues in oak-veneered boards with brushed copper panels for a bit of warmth and texture. We added LED lighting to the shelves to give the whole area a soft and subtle glow.

Don't Tell Dad Bar and Restaurant
Don't Tell Dad Copper Back Bar
Don't Tell Dad Bar Stools and Flooring
Don't Tell Dad Back Bar
Don't Tell Dad Bar

Evenings at Don’t Tell Dad

The restaurant, which opens later in the evening, has its own separate entrance. As you step inside, you’re greeted by a custom-made welcome station, built with oak units- a nice little touch as you walk in.

Underfoot, reclaimed timber flooring runs throughout, laid in a stacked bond pattern with cross borders. Each piece was handpicked, and once everything was in place, we sanded it back and applied a lacquer for a smooth, polished finish that really ties the space together.

In the restaurant, diner-style banquettes and booth seating were manufactured from oak panels and finished with ribbed green velvet upholstery, creating a comfortable and inviting space- just the kind of spot you want to relax in with good food and good company!

Another standout feature in the restaurant is the large sharing Tapestry Table- a bespoke piece crafted by our team, featuring artwork by local Queen’s Park artist Martha Hussey. Adding a unique, personal touch and celebrating the creativity of the local community.

Since opening, the bespoke mirrors have been a real hit with guests. Thoughtfully positioned throughout the restaurant, including mirrored overhangs, they were carefully designed to work around the mechanical services while adding depth and character to the space.

Bespoke Booth Seating
Tapestry Table by Martha Hussey
Banquette Seating
Restaurant looking into Bakery
Don't Tell Dad Restaurant

Project Reflections

With the project’s ever-evolving programme and design changes, our team remained flexible and adaptable throughout.

One of the key challenges was the addition of a new acoustic ceiling midway through the project. We worked closely with our supply team to adjust our approach, ensuring the ceiling was incorporated into our programme of works without compromising the project’s timeline or quality.

Despite the challenges, this project was a rewarding one to deliver. We’re proud to have played a part in creating Don’t Tell Dad– a space full of heart, character, and the kind of atmosphere people want to return to, time and time again!