© Charlie Mckay
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A-nrd studio brings to life the spirit of Mexico through materiality, craft and inherent humbleness.
Former Noma chef Santiago Lastra opens debut restaurant KOL, appointing A-nrd studio led by Alessio Nardi and Lukas Persakovas to curate its interiors.
Spanning over two-storeys and four-hundred square metres in London picturesque Seymour Street, KOL’s main dining room is situated past the reception on the ground floor while the chef’s table experience and the Mezcaleria bar can be found downstairs.
KOL interior design focuses on bringing to life the spirit of Mexico through materiality, craft and inherent humbleness.
To consolidate the look of KOL, A-nrd studio founder Alessio Nardi went on a field trip throughout Mexico - from Mexico City to Oaxaca to the Yucatan - to connect with local businesses and discover the nuances of Mexican culture.
Upon entering KOL, customers are greeted by a large-scale corn husk marquetry artwork by Fernando Laposse which frames a bespoke hand-chiselled oak reception desk. The interior architecture of KOL is deeply inspired by the work of Luis Barragán where stucco walls on different hues characterise the space. The colour palette is an ode to the streets of Mexico, alternating between various shades of yellow, pink and burnt orange.
These contrast the floor made of concrete slabs framed by a double run of oak planks – an interpretation of the flooring outside Mexico City’s library.
Three kitchen islands positioned in the centre of the restaurant create a theatrical yet homey focal point in KOL’s dining room. Each oak wood unit is crafted with hand-chiselled counters that extend to the ceiling through reclaimed elmwood canopies.
Next to kitchen islands, the stucco wall splits in height to reveal the heroes of KOL kitchen - the fire pit and the comal oven. Handmade British clay tiles clad the whole area, evoking the traditional Mexican Tezontle volcanic rock tiles in the true spirit of KOL: Mexican soul, British ingredients.
A burnt orange stucco wall with an extensive installation of Mexican artefacts sourced during the field trip and dating back to the mid-1900s creates an earthy backdrop for the kitchen theatre.
