design et al are delighted to announce that Soho House Design have been shortlisted for Restaurant – Europe Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2018.
Kettner’s Townhouse, a Grade II Listed building in Soho, is a 33-bedroom townhouse which comprises a champagne bar and a restaurant. The overall brief for this property was ‘accessible glamour’, bringing Kettner’s back to its former glory and opening it up for everyone. The idea was to create an Anglo-French feel synonymous with the history of the building with each area having their own character and feel. The design of Kettner’s Townhouse is influenced by its 150-year history and origins as a French restaurant, throughout the design process Soho House Design worked closely together with an historian.
In order to retain the original Grade-II listed features, Soho House Design had to work around all the listed elements, such as cornicing, antique mirrors, the listed staircase and most floor finishes. Whilst this was essential, it was also crucial to make sure there was an upgrade to the layout and the functionality of the space to work well not only for guests, but also staff. In the Piano Bar the designers introduced a long bar that features Calacatta Viola marble top, a copper bar front and hand carved stained oak back bar inspired by art nouveau motives. The layout is relaxed with tub chairs, long sofas and rugs providing the majority of FF&E.
In the main dining area, Soho House Design placed a central waiter station that is also highly decorative, taking inspiration from French bread stations and providing a focal point to the space and a surface to decorate with fresh flowers and crystal glasses. This space also features large bespoke chandeliers designed by the Soho House design team and bespoke wall lights that connect the Piano Bar and Dining Room design. In the Champagne Bar, it was vital to keep the original 1920s mosaic tiled floor and art deco design. Therefore, Soho House Design introduced a fluted burr walnut bar with a Calacatta Vagli marble top, hand printed art deco curtains, ruched suede wallpaper and bespoke sofas.
The 33-hotel guest-rooms feature four distinct colour and FF&E schemes with many bespoke elements such as the beds, bedside tables, sofas, armchairs all the lighting and rugs. For the wardrobes Soho House Design purchased antique pieces and modified them to allow all the amenities inside them such as the safe, soft close drawers and enough hanging space. The bathrooms also feature handmade ceramic tiles, bespoke vanities, and lights. It was key for Soho House Design to be respectful to the wider environment and create something that is not only relevant, but celebrates the history, architecture, and location of the property.