Fettle, the London and LA based interior architecture and design studio has collaborated with Richard Caring to unveil the 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 75 square metre space into a theatrical and ambient 18th century inspired Mexican Cantina, transporting members and guests back in time.
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.
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. A central stone fireplace on the back wall of the restaurant creates an intimate and atmospheric mood.
The natural, rich and earthy colour palette is purposely paired 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 aged 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 distressed the leather upholstery on the dining and bar chairs.
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.
Andy Goodwin, Co-Founder of Fettle commented: “We were delighted to work with 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.”
