Antique Parisian chic meets the rustic British countryside in Studio Found's new Fitzrovia restaurant.
Taking inspiration from the iconic Parisian bistro, London-based hospitality design specialist, Studio Found is the creative force behind London's new Fitzrovia restaurant - located on 64 Goodge Street.
Working in collaboration with the Woodhead Restuarant Group, its deep green shop front reflects its mixed Parisian apartment come British farmhouse aesthetic. In amongst the diverse residential area of Fitzrovia - a neighbourhood of 18th-19th Century grand apartment buildings steeped in history - the timelessly designed restaurant sits in the heart of Central London.
The site was acquired by Woodhead Restaurant Group, who tasked London-based Studio Found with "French bistro inspired design that boasts elegance and rustic feel, whilst feeling effortlessly luxurious" taking cues from head chef, Stuart Andrew’s time spent cooking in Paris. This is the Woodhead Restaurant Group’s fifth restaurant and in their words “The most considered restaurant from a design perspective within our group”.
“The brief for 64 Goodge Street was interesting: timeless design that reflects a laid back luxury found on the streets of Paris whilst prioritising comfort within all design aspects”, comments design director and founder of Studio Found, Ed Plumb.
“We steered away from a cliche design of a restaurant of this style and instead reflected the rustic inspired cooking through our material selection of farmhouse style features, such as a combination brick and rough timber flooring and sawn timber planks for dining tables. To avoid losing the luxury feel, more refined yet classic finishes such as aged brass and marble were also included,” he added.
64 Goodge Street prides itself on its intimate setting, spanning over 2000 square feet with seating for 44 covers, the venue further extends to an exclusive private dining room in the basement that seats up to 10 guests.
The design of the restaurant consciously guides guests from the busy London high street through to a warm and intimate, yet relaxed dining space. This firstly begins with the entrance lobby that can either lead guests to the main restaurant or to the staircase that leads into the basement area. The lobby has been created by a glazed screen, which naturally creates separation and minimal disruption for diners, whilst creating flow in the entrance experience.
Brick flooring has also been used to define the entrance space as you walk into the main dining area and then used again in the semi-private dining area at the front of the restaurant. Whereas stained light oak flooring has been used throughout to define the main dining area.
Upon entering the main restaurant space diners are also greeted with walls clad in deep green stained timber panelling and a large green leather banquette which runs the length of the restaurant. Studio Found were keen that the timber panel grain be visible enough to soften the finish and add subtle detail. This rich finish sits in contrast against light flooring, rustic timber tables, and the bistro style chairs have been included to keep that relaxed feeling for guests.
Bespoke light fittings designed by Studio Found have been used throughout to reflect intimacy and help define spaces such as the semi private dining area at the front of the restaurant. Studio Found worked with dried flower artist Design By Nature to develop a selection of pieces, including one which emerges from the feature light at the front of the restaurant. Continuing with the understated yet intimate theme - linen curtains are used to offer diners privacy from street views. This was also how they overcame the challenge of creating a feel of stepping away from the busy London high street.
Linking the dining space and open kitchen at the rear of the restaurant the brass, walnut and marble bar brings a refined elegance to the space and emphasises the quality of the wine and drinks offering, whilst an antique cabinet has been used to form the back bar display bringing charm and elegance to the space. These details reflect an understated Parisian charm to the interior.
The private dining room which is located in the basement was designed to feel a touch more elevated than the ground floor, deep burgundy panelled walls provide the backdrop for artwork selected by Woodhead Restaurant Group owners. Once again Design By Nature have created a stunning dried flower wall sculpture which sits at the head of the dining table. A large oak joinery unit runs the full length of the room incorporating a bar, feature glass storage and wardrobe space for guests, this unit brings a domestic feel to the space which is intended to allow guests to feel at home. Incorporating elements of antique furniture, relic to family heirlooms calls to the deeply personal but sophisticated interior styling of Parisians.
“This space has been designed to reflect high-end informality and classical cooking techniques that our Head Chef, Stuart Andrew plans to offer. Think Paris from an outsider's perspective. This is the smartest restaurant in the group and we feel with 64 Goodge Street we are taking the opportunity to make a statement about the beautiful spaces we take pride in creating,” said Woodhead Restaurant Group co-owner, William Lander.
Imagery credited to Billy Bolton & Studio Found
