RODE Architects, an emerging design firm specializing in architecture for the urban environment, has completed design work for Hit Wicket, a first-of-its-kind cricket-themed restaurant and bar in the U.S. Located at 1172 Cambridge St. in the Inman Sq. neighborhood of the city. Hit Wicket seats 100 patrons and provides an authentic cricket atmosphere that features popular food from major cricket-playing nations. Hit Wicket is a cricket terminology used to declare a batsman "out" when his bat or body hits the wickets when trying to strike a ball.
Designed by RODE and built by Boston-based construction manager Stack + Co., the space features a large dining room with dark walnut floors and leather-upholstered banquettes, creating a genial pub atmosphere that reflects the culture of this historic game.
Initially hired to build out the front-of-house restaurant and bar, Stack provided additional construction services when unforeseen issues with existing plumbing, electrical, and ventilation systems were discovered in the kitchen. Meeting a fast two-month construction schedule, the project was completed to coincide with a major cricket tournament. Hit Wicket is the first restaurant project for Stack in the Boston area. RODE and Stack also worked closely with restaurant consulting firm Real Foods Consulting on this project.
To capture the dynamic movement and forms of the sport, RODE added an angular main bar and high seating table shaped out of solid maple to emulate the wood used in cricket bats. Tapping into the features of a cricket field, two large televisions face one another and frame the room like a centerfield pitch, allowing patrons to watch live cricket matches and other sports. Interactive cricket informatics and memorabilia, including jerseys, cricket bats and balls, and autographed photos of famous players line the walls. The menu, printed on small cricket bats, is inspired by the many countries where the sport is most popular, such as India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Britain, South Africa and the West Indies. Additional areas in the restaurant are used to demonstrate cricket equipment for those both familiar with, and new to the game.
"With Hit Wicket, RODE has helped us provide a platform to serve all the cricket fans here in the United States, and the design of the space pays homage to the sport and the food," said Shubha Ramesh Kumar, owner and managing member at TON Venture Group. "RODE's perseverance with our aggressive schedule was instrumental in helping us create the nation's first bar dedicated to the sport."
Founded in 2005, RODE Architects is a collaborative design firm that specializes in architecture for the urban environment. RODE's approach to design follows a flexible and creative process that molds the client's ideas, experiences, and goals into spaces that exceed expectations. Known for tight collaboration with its clients, RODE provides a range of design services, from master planning and feasibility surveys to project management and innovative architectural solutions. The firm's diverse design portfolio includes commercial, institutional, multi-family, and residential projects.