“What’s Kettner's, anyway?” queried Mrs Tota: and I told her of thesnug little restaurant buried away in Church st, which was first discovered by two well-known journalists,a restaurant of such individuality that when is was necessary to rebuild is a few years agoit was rebuilt as nearly as possible on the old lines, with its three or four pubic dining rooms below, andits network of passages and warren of little rooms above. - Diners and Dinners, by Lieutenant-Colonel Newnham-Davis, 1899. REINVENTING A LEGEND One of the oldest restaurants in London's theatre land. Founded in 1867 by Napoleon 111 former chef, Auguste Kettner, with a secret passageway in the basement running to the Palace Theatre. Kettner’s was once the haunt of London’s Bohemian crowd of writers, journalists and actresses. Some second acts are worth the wait. In the 1970s and 80s much of the original interior was covered up or removed. The new incarnation takes the building, consisting of four Georgian houses, back closer to how it would have been in the past. DESIGN BRIEF To create new identity for this Soho instituition, reflecting its history, the Kettner’s book of the table, and also bringing it back to life. To be female friendly, democratic, an all day location from breakfast through til late, to appeal to the Soho media crowd for work and play, whilst also satisfying a different demographic. Food offer: smaller, lighter plates of food for all day grazing. DESIGN CHALLENGES To restore a Maiden Aunt, loved by many with rose tinted memories, which brushed over the smelly carpets and corporate furniture. To restore the envelope of the building, of which much had been covered up in the 70s and 80s, or torn down. Quick project turnaround: 6 months from brief to completion on site, with 8 weeks building on site, and straight into soft opening as the builders walked out. DESIGN RESULTS The new identity celebrates the thrills and spills of backstage and frisson of theatre land, to re-instate this institution with its cultural heart. With Parisian glamour, it’s destination with sparkle and soul. The food is fresh, fun and French with a quirky English twist. The Pudding bar celebrates the return of the trolley. Kettners has multiple worlds and reclaims its Bohemian character. SUSTAINABILITY Restoring the envelope of the building and putting back some original panelling that had been covered up in the 70s and 80s, or torn down. The concept focused on protecting and promoting its Soho identity. Restricted budgets, meant lots of the furniture was vintage, restored locally. Much of the furniture on the ground floor was made by a English traditional furniture makers, George Smith. THE FOOD For the modern day epicure,The food is fresh, fun and Frenchwith a quirky English twist. THE HISTORY Kettner’s cookbook that sparkles with thewit and sexiness of the 19th century Bohemia and theatreland. ...Collapse

DIFFERENT SECTIONS IN KETTNER'S KETTNER’S BREAKFAST: The working breakfast with Kusmi teas. A Russian tea house, opened in 1867, the sameyear that Kettner’s was founded. When the Russian revolution began he transferred his business to Paris, using recipes which have beenjealously guarded since the 19th Century THE PUDDING BAR: Kettner’s champagne jelly and lemon tart, It’s Sugar Mummy rather than Sugar Daddy. CHAMPAGNE BAR: Putting the integrity back in to champagne drinkingwith over 100 small producers on the list.The house list now features ‘one small producer’,‘one iconic Champagne’, and ‘something from England’. THE BOUDOIR: A place to powder your cheeks THE APARTMENT: The casting couch in our French director’s lair TETE A TETE: Like a private member’s club, without having to be a member SALON: Carrying on the tradition of business and pleasure. ATTIC BAR: The Party Floor CABINET PARTICULIER: Multiples of candlebras for night-time sparkle, re•ned elegance and sense of occasion. ATTIC DEN, SALLE DE FETE: For private hire. ...Collapse

Each of the spaces has its distinct look and feel, but what holds them all together is the frame of the building; the flooring, wall treatments, lighting... there is a consistent story running through the spaces which allows you to add different elements to it. Natural finishes such as rough wooden floors, honed marble and ceramic mosaic give the place a real sense of materiality and honesty. ...Collapse

Lighting is key in creating an intimate atmosphere. So many places are overlit which can make it feel cold and stark. We used a mixture of different levels of lighting; wall lights, table lights and standard lamps to create pools rather than washes of light in the space, shadows are just as important. ...Collapse