Project Info
Client: Richard Caring and The Birley Clubs
Design: Fettle
Size: 75m2
Completion: May 2024
Words By Emily Martin
Images Courtesy Of Annabel’s
THE LONDON AND LA-BASED interior architecture and design studio Fettle has unveiled its interiors for Bolívar, the second-floor restaurant within iconic private members’ club Annabel’s in the heart of Mayfair, London.
Fettle’s brief for the project was to transform the existing 75m2 space into a theatrical and ambient 18th century-inspired Mexican cantina, transporting members and guests back in time. ‘Because of this, there was a lot of [Latin American] influences from Mexico and Colombia, including entrance doors, distressed wall finishes, artwork and fabrics as well as the lighting,’ explains Andy Goodwin, director at Fettle.
When approaching the project, Fettle looked back to Mexican cantina establishments of this era and took influences from Latin American design for the rustic entrance door, distressed wall finishes and antiqued furniture and fabrics that adorn the space, creating a truly immersive experience. A key challenge presented was ensuring a space that was full of warmth and authentic character, while avoiding ‘pastiche or Disneyland’, as Goodwins says.
‘It’s a very fine line between a themed restaurant and an authentic-styled portal to another time,’ he says. ‘We wanted to make the ageing effects used as authentic as possible rather than just an effect. This was done by using real stones on the wall behind the peeling plasterwork, for example.’
The restaurant features a backlit display bar with bottles arranged on wooden shelving
The bespoke lighting in the scheme incorporates wrought iron chandeliers and oversized wrought iron hanging lanterns on the walls. Wrought iron has also been used by Fettle to frame the windows.
The natural, rich and earthy colour palette is purposely pared back in stark contrast to the rest of the private members’ club, so guests feel immediately transported to a different time and place.
Fettle designed bespoke dining chairs for the space with brown leather and brass stud detailing as well as new tables with tops made from reclaimed timber boards. The restaurant also features a backlit display bar with bottles arranged on wooden shelving with antiqued mirrored panelling.
The walls have been aged with peeling plasterwork painted in faded yellow to give an older aesthetic, exposing what would be the original brick and stone throughout the interior. Fettle also reclaimed beautiful-exposed timber planks for the ceiling as well as distressing the leather upholstery on the dining and bar chairs.
‘The fireplace is a particular success for us,’ says Goodwin of a central stone fireplace on the back wall of the restaurant, which creates an intimate and atmospheric mood. ‘We sourced this from a reclaimed vintage site and had to adjust the height a little to fit within the space, but it is an original stone fireplace surround, which, combined with all the dressing, provides a fantastic focal point and really sets the tone for the whole room.’
Fettle designed bespoke dining chairs for the space
The artwork in the space has been custom bought and created by Adam Ellis Studio, combining a mix of paintings with antique maps and wall hangings.
Goodwin comments: ‘We were delighted to work with [clients] Richard Caring and The Birley Clubs on this special project, completely transforming the existing interior within Annabel’s. We wanted the space to have a strong identity, sense of theatre and truth. Bolívar is an authentically designed portal to another time, unexpected, pared back yet dramatic – we are very proud of the finished result.’
Key Suppliers
Lighting
Madson Black www.madsonblack.com
Furniture
Contract Furniture by Design www.contractfurniturebydesign.com
