The Independent Food Company has opened a new Parker’s restaurant in Dubai Hills Mall, with interiors designed by Styled Habitat.

Our approach was rooted in Parker's story - a whimsical, nostalgic narrative inspired by the outdoors and the playful spirit of Mr. Parker, the fictional keeper of the park who remained a child at heart. A wanderer, a magician, a professor, and a dreamer, Mr. Parker is the soul of the brand - a character who invites guests into spaces filled with joy, surprise, and comfort.

For the Dubai Hills mall location, we set out to translate Mr. Parker’s world into a tangible dining experience. The design reflects a space that feels like home - one filled with curiosity, warmth, and a touch of mischief. From whimsical wallpapers hinting at Mr. Parker’s “secret key,” to striking geometric flooring, and vibrant zellige tiles, every corner was crafted to feel both familiar and unexpected.

The soaring ceilings and rounded-corner openings (reminiscent of three-centered arches) help expand the sense of space and imagination. Wicker furniture, patterned cushions, lush indoor plants, and Poggibonsi street-style lighting bring the outdoors in - evoking the easy charm of a conservatory, or perhaps one of the parks Mr. Parker calls home.

A standout feature is the ceiling’s segmented grid, inspired by the boldly painted 40-meter-high traditional water tank at Al Khazan Park - a subtle nod to the brand’s roots. This ceiling design also cleverly organizes and conceals services, balancing playfulness with purpose.

Throughout the space, rounded architectural forms and burl wood veneer accents echo the warmth of simpler times and the quiet opulence of the early 1980s - another layer of Mr. Parker’s eclectic past.

The result is a space where nostalgia meets adventure, and design becomes part of the storytelling. Much like Mr. Parker himself, the space is layered, full of surprises, and grounded in the simple joys of discovery.