La Guetteuse

La Guetteuse is a French seafood dining room and ‘Yacht Club’ lounge, inspired by the golden age of coastal French travel, sailing and elegant harbourside dining. First established in 1914, La Guetteuse continues to celebrate the produce, characters and rituals of the French coast for modern-day travellers. From fresh oysters, champagne and crisp wines, to daily changing fish and classic coastal small plates, the offering celebrates the best of French coastal dining. Split across two floors, the ground-floor dining room features rustic wooden chairs and classic tablecloths. Upstairs, the Yacht Club offers a more intimate, salon-like atmosphere, drawing on the elegance and mystery of maritime ocean liners. Classic French cocktails and cognacs are served alongside fireplace seating.

MANNER was tasked with establishing the brand’s overarching narrative, naming, brand identity and collateral roll-out. La Guetteuse, meaning ‘the female lookout’ or ‘watchwoman’, is embodied by a mysterious female figure gazing out across the port. Is she watching for boats returning to shore, or waiting for a long-lost love out at sea? The branding draws heavily on the rustic, nautical qualities of early 20th-century French illustration, paired with ocean-liner-inspired design and layouts. The logo design played with Art Noveau typography, to evoke old-school French styling.

The Yacht Club branding was designed to offer a slightly separate experience. Taking on the feel of a private members’ club, it features luxury invitations, bespoke set menus and exclusive dishes, offering members a more private way to experience the coast and its cuisine.