64 Goodge Street Restaurant

Woodhead Restaurant Group commissioned London-based Studio Found to create a ‘French bistro inspired design that boasts elegance and rustic feel whilst feeling effortlessly luxurious’ taking cues from head chef, Stuart Andrew’s time spent cooking in Paris. 64 Goodge Street, the Group’s fifth restaurant is in their words “The most considered restaurant from a design perspective within our group”.

The brief for 64 Goodge Street was interesting: timeless design that reflects a laid back luxury found on the streets of Paris whilst prioritising comfort within all design aspects.

It steered away from a cliche design of a restaurant of this style and instead reflected the rustic inspired cooking through material selection of farmhouse style features such as a combination brick and rough timber flooring and sawn timber planks for dining tables. To avoid losing the luxury feel, more refined yet classic finishes such as aged brass and marble were also included.

The design of the restaurant consciously guides guests from the busy London high street through to a warm intimate yet relaxed dining experience. The lobby has been created by a glazed screen which naturally creates separation and minimal disruption for diners, whilst creating flow in the entrance experience.

Brick flooring has also been used to define the entrance space as you walk into the main dining area and then used again in the semi-private dining area at the front of the restaurant. Whereas stained light oak flooring has been used throughout to define the main dining area.

Upon entering the main restaurant space diners are also greeted with walls clad in deep green stained timber panelling and a large green leather banquette which runs the length of the restaurant. Studio Found were keen that the timber panel grain be visible enough to soften the finish and add detail. This rich finish sits in contrast against light flooring, rustic timber tables and the bistro style chairs have been included to keep that relaxed feeling.

Bespoke light fittings designed by Studio Found have been used throughout to create intimacy and help define spaces such as the semi private dining area at the front of the restaurant.

Studio Found worked with dried flower artist Design By Nature to develop a selection of pieces, including one which emerges from the feature light at the front of the restaurant. Continuing with the understated yet intimate theme – linen curtains are used to offer diners privacy from street views. This was also how they overcame the challenge of creating a feel of stepping away from the busy London high street.

Linking the dining space and open kitchen at the rear of the restaurant the brass, walnut and marble bar brings a refined elegance to the space and emphasises the quality of the wine and drinks offering, whilst an antique cabinet has been used to form the back bar display bringing charm and elegance to the space.

The private dining room which is located in the basement was designed to feel a touch more elevated than the ground floor, deep burgundy panelled walls provide the backdrop for artwork selected by Woodhead Restaurant Group owners. Once again Design By Nature have created a stunning dried flower wall sculpture which sits at the head of the dining table. A large oak joinery unit runs the full length of the room incorporating a bar, feature glass storage and wardrobe space for guests, this unit brings a domestic feel to the space which is intended to allow guests to feel at home.

Design: Studio Found
Contractor: Shone Building
Photography: Billy Bolton, courtesy of Studio Found