Form & Function Exploring the design concepts of our borough’s best kitchens and dining spaces Inside the historic West Chester firehouse is the new farm-to-table restaurant Slow Hand. Its singular exterior is complemented by a gorgeous interior, which is made all the more impressive by the fact that designer Cira J.S. Raab renovated the existing sports bar and turned it into this chic eatery in just one week. Cira worked with the four long-time friends, Josh and Cortney McCullough and Craig and Bridget Ramsey, who happen to be the owners and made this space one that you can converse with friends, listen to local musicians, and devour food that supports our regional produce and producers. What’s behind the name Slow Hand? The owners were inspired by the legendary country singer Conway Twitty’s song of the same name. The song is about taking your time and doing things

the right way — exactly what you can expect from the food, drinks, and service. A dreamy portrait of Twitty hangs as the focal point above the bar, a symbol of their mantra. Cira made a few simple changes that caused a drastic impact to the bar area. She kept the existing white subway tiles on the wall and took down the TVs, which helped to brighten the space. The glass shelving of the alcohol display Cira swapped out with wood for a warmer and cohesive look. She also retained the existing pendant lighting and lowered them to cast more light on your food and drink. The new, sleek green vinyl and brass barstools are the perfect place to sip a deliciously crafted cocktail. With the pub-height tables, booth, bar, and lounge seating, there is no shortage of options to settle in. The lounge seating is a perfect mix of masculine and feminine, there are groupings of comfortable sofas and chairs that fill the front area of the restaurant. Cira selected muted shades of pink, deep blues and greens with furniture that nods to the ’70s, but with modern textures and materials. This is where the live music plays, and during the warmer

months the lounge area doors open and the seating spills out to the sidewalk. You won’t want to miss out on the upstairs (yes, there’s an upstairs). The old arched and circular windows will remind you that you are in a historical building, and they make for yet another cool place to chit chat. Cira made sure to mimic the style from downstairs and add some personal touches, like fabulous photos that were taken by Josh that are displayed in an eclectic mix of frames. They hang next to a show-stopping gold mirror that was found while antique shopping by Cortney, making this space a labor of love. You can’t help but feel like home here with the soft candlelight, retro table lamps, and potted plants dotting the walls. If you are ready to be transported back to an era of sophistication and ease, then sit yourself down at Slow Hand. Cira says you can’t go wrong with their on-tap kombucha and delicious Nashville hot chicken. The food and stylish ambiance will not disappoint. photo CIRA J.S. @cirajsraab

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story ANDREA MASON @andreamasondesign

PUBLISHED BY THE WC PRESS

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