The Barcelona-based illustrator brings our new restaurant, bar and coffee hatch to life at The July Dublin Capel Street.

A restaurant is more than its menu. It is the atmosphere, the details, the people and the stories that give a place its sense of identity. At Onóra, the new restaurant, bar and coffee hatch at The July Capel Street, illustration plays an important part in creating that feeling. Created by Barcelona-based illustrator Pol, the artwork introduces a distinctive visual language to the restaurant, centred around the character of Onóra herself. We spoke to Pol about his creative practice, the process behind the Onóra illustrations and how illustration can help create a sense of place within a restaurant.

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR CREATIVE PRACTICE?

I'm a freelance illustrator based in Barcelona. I enjoy working with traditional techniques such as ink and watercolour, and I create commercial work for clients all over the world across a wide range of fields, from advertising and branding to editorial. My work is usually quite minimal, focusing on expressive linework and simple compositions.

HOW DID YOU APPROACH CREATING THE ARTWORK FOR ONÓRA?

The most distinctive aspect of this project was creating the Onóra icon. It needed to feel spontaneous and fluid, so I repeated the drawing more than 20 times, I think, until I got the hang of every brushstroke and could control it naturally. That balance between simplicity and expression became central to the illustrations. Rather than creating something overly detailed, the artwork allows the character and her gestures to do the work.

WHO IS ONÓRA?

The character of Onóra, who gives the restaurant its name and appears in its logo, is loosely inspired by Eileen Gray. I found her to be a fascinating figure, and I felt that both the gesture of her hands and her early twentieth century hairstyle were instantly recognisable.

WHAT WAS IT ABOUT EILEEN GRAY THAT INSPIRED YOU?

I was drawn to the way she could be represented through such simple, recognisable details. The gesture of her hands and her hairstyle were enough to create a strong sense of character without needing to add unnecessary detail. That felt right for the Onóra character and for the wider visual identity of the restaurant.

WHAT FEELING DID YOU WANT THE ILLUSTRATIONS TO EVOKE?

I wanted them to feel familiar, approachable and welcoming. They are consistent with the brand identity and with the decision to centre the visual language around the character of Onóra. The illustrations aren't meant to dominate the space but to quietly contribute to its atmosphere, adding a human touch and reinforcing the warmth of the restaurant.

WHAT ROLE DO YOU THINK ILLUSTRATION PLAYS IN CREATING A SENSE OF PLACE WITHIN HOSPITALITY SPACES?

Illustration can represent spaces in a more poetic and less literal way. Rather than documenting a place exactly as it is, it can capture its atmosphere, personality or the emotions you associate with it. Sometimes it communicates the feeling of being somewhere even better than photography can, because it leaves room for interpretation and imagination.

For a restaurant, I think that can be particularly interesting. The illustration becomes part of the atmosphere rather than simply an image that describes the space.

MANY GUESTS WILL ENCOUNTER YOUR WORK AS PART OF THEIR FIRST IMPRESSION OF ONÓRA. WHAT DO YOU HOPE THEY NOTICE?

With illustration, I think it's often better to simply feel rather than analyse. I hope the Onóra character resonates with guests and that they find her compelling.

ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN REFERENCES OR SMALL DETAILS WITHIN THE ARTWORK THAT GUESTS SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR?

There aren't any intentional hidden references. My process is actually the opposite. I spend a lot of time removing anything that isn't essential. I like illustrations that communicate clearly and immediately, while still leaving enough openness for each person to interpret them in their own way.

HOW DO YOU HOPE BOTH LOCALS AND VISITORS CONNECT WITH YOUR WORK?

I hope it feels grounded and authentic, and that it resonates equally with both locals and visitors. Ideally, the illustrations become a natural part of the experience. They should feel like they belong in the space and become part of the atmosphere of Onóra, rather than something separate from it.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SEE YOUR WORK BECOME PART OF A NEW RESTAURANT IN DUBLIN?

It's always interesting to see an illustration move from an initial idea into a physical space and become part of people's everyday experience. With Onóra, I like that the character has become part of the identity of the restaurant. She can appear across different parts of the experience while remaining simple and recognisable.

DISCOVER ONÓRA AT THE JULY CAPEL STREET

From its name and visual identity to its menu, interiors and neighbourhood setting, Onóra Dublin is designed to feel connected to the city around it. Located at The July - Capel Street, Onóra brings together a restaurant, bar and coffee hatch in the heart of Dublin city centre, welcoming both hotel guests and locals.

Look closely and you'll find Pol's illustrations throughout the experience, with Onóra herself at the centre of it all.