Chucs Café Kensington

Chucs Café Kensington, the first in a series of all-day dining destinations situated in some of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Chucs will serve up authentic Italian classics alongside international favourites to both locals and tourists alike.

Chucs has four existing London outposts – in Mayfair, Westbourne Grove, Harrods and the Serpentine, and Chucs Café Kensington, located on London’s Old Brompton Road, marks the group’s first foray into casual dining. The timeless and elegant interiors of Chucs Cafe Kensington are inspired by the splendour and effortless glamour of 1950s’ Italy. A sumptuous colour palette evokes the spirit of the Amalfi coast, with details and finishes reminiscent of luxury sporting endeavours, from yachts and classic Italian sports cars, to the everlasting elegance of a vintage train carriage.

The interior of the café is fresh and inviting, creating an environment that is welcoming during the day whilst remaining warm and intimate during evening service. The signature feature of the space is a curved, marble topped bar with an angled oak undercounter featuring brass detailing. Above the bar hang three oversized burnished brass and opal glass pendants. The timber framed back bar includes ribbed antique mirror panels with timber and brass shelving. Fettle has also designed a series of bespoke bar stools – upholstered in pink leather with a fluted black base – that sit in front of the counter.

A dark-stained, original face timber floor in the main space transitions into a bespoke patterned marble floor in-front of the bar, which continues to the rear of the room. Fettle has used a mix of black, white, pink and yellow marble to create this pattern, which refers back to the main colour palette.

The ceiling throughout the space is clad in high gloss, hand painted, off-white timber tongue and groove panelling, and includes two large feature antique brass and prismatic glass pendants with a dome shape and petal edge detail. Other lighting within the space is created with burnished brass picture lights and Ralph Lauren brass and glass rod wall lights sourced from Visual Comfort.

Chucs Café Kensington also benefits from a large outdoor terrace – a sizable space which wraps around the building and doubles the number of restaurant covers. The façade is painted in powder blue, while existing windows and doors have been repainted in a navy-blue high gloss. Fettle has also introduced traditional Victorian awnings to the exterior.

In addition to the awnings, Fettle has introduced an internally-illuminated curved antique brass over door sign that is fret-cut in the shape of the Chucs flag logo, as well as creating an internally- illuminated menu box. The final element of signage is a bespoke gold leaf painted window sign commissioned by the finishes company.

Design: Fettle
Photography: Helen Cathcart