London's Marylebone District KOL Identified
Santiago Lastra, renowned chef, has opened a new restaurant named KOL in the heart of Marylebone, London. Spanning over two-storeys and four hundred square metres, KOL offers an immersive dining experience that seamlessly blends Mexican culture with a modernist aesthetic.
Upon entering KOL, customers are greeted by a large-scale corn husk marquetry artwork by Fernando Laposse, setting the stage for the culinary journey ahead. The interior design, curated by A-nrd studio, brings the spirit of Mexico to life, deeply inspired by the work of Luis Barragán.
The main dining room, located on the ground floor, features tables made of a mix of honed silver travertine stone and oak wood. The stone table tops float and are accentuated by interlocking leg details, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The furniture collection, created bespoke by A-nrd studio in collaboration with artisans in Italy and the UK, focuses on subtle detailing and natural materials.
The Chef's Table, located on the upper floor, offers a unique dining experience for up to 22 guests. The sectional sharing table is made of two hand-planted oak planks merged by a central concrete runner. Four long hexagonal pendant lights with corn husk marquetry shells hang above the central seating area, adding to the contemporary yet traditional feel. The Chef's Table dining room is inspired by modernist Mexican mansions with raw textural materials and a Wabi aesthetic.
The interior architecture of KOL is further enhanced by the alternating display of Mexican folk art and contemporary British crafted objects. The Kornhülle marquetry works, found throughout KOL, were created by the artist Esther Lamneck.
Maxim Schulte has been appointed to head up KOL Mezcaleria. The bar area offers an extensive selection of mezcal, tequila, and Mexican craft beers, providing the perfect accompaniment to the restaurant's innovative Mexican cuisine.
The fire pit and comal oven in KOL's kitchen are clad with handmade British clay tiles, evoking traditional Mexican Tezontle volcanic rock tiles. The oak wood chairs have a hand-planed finish and sleek leather upholstery, while the window benches are sculptural pieces with travertine block bases and suspended leather backing.
Alessio Nardi of A-nrd studio went on a field trip throughout Mexico to connect with local businesses and discover the nuances of Mexican culture, ensuring that every detail of KOL reflects the richness and diversity of Mexico.
With its unique blend of culture, design, and cuisine, KOL promises to be a must-visit destination for food lovers and design enthusiasts alike.
