Maison François

Here GSL embraced postmodernism and brutalism, most notably referencing Ricardo Bofill’s ‘La Fabrica’ in Barcelona, with its grand terracotta arches and rough cement ceiling. Nevertheless, the structure of the restaurant follows a brasserie format, with noble materials throughout and details that evoke classic establishments of the past.

The banquettes are made from walnut wood, and the design was inspired by pews of a modernist church in Germany. The lobby and kitchen canopy are made in sapele mahogany, and the design echoes the windows of the ismaili centre next to the V&A with it’s bevelled panes and lamb’s tongue mouldings. The tables were made bespoke in cream and terracotta lacquered wood with a brass insert and bronze deco legs.

The interior sees three metal finishes used throughout: patinated nickel, brass and bronze. The monumental clock above the kitchen pass is fashioned from nickel and bronze, and combines 70’s rado watch stylings with Rolls Royce grills.

All sconces and chandeliers were designed bespoke in conjunction with stileman lighting. The monumental chandeliers were inspired by fritz breuhaus, and the cold cathode sconces add a contemporary edge to the room. Downstairs in the bar, alabaster sconces decorate the walls and 70’s off-white suspension lights hang from the ceiling.

Chairs and banquettes upstairs are upholstered in an ‘outdoor’ cream linen from ben whistler. Downstairs chairs and banquettes are upholstered a grainy black leather, also from ben whistler. The full-length cream sheer curtains were selected from Pierre Frey, and this fabric was also used in the brasserie style half curtains in the windows.

The walls are finished in a terracotta venetian stucco, and the ceiling is a bespoke ‘faux-cement’ patiina, created in conjunction with our decorative painters.

Design: The Guild of Saint Luke
Photography: Osark Proctor