Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar by SHH Architects

Description of project by SHH Architects

SHH branded the new venue and also designed the interiors concept for the 85-cover space, taking inspiration and design cues from Sir James, including references to the classic European ‘Grand Tour’ he undertook in the early part of the 19th century, which went on to have a great influence on his architecture and his world-view, as was the case for so many of his generation.

The overall interior design treatment is rich, dark and daringly moody’ explained the project’s Lead Designer, Georgia Stevenson of SHH. ‘It references early 19th century tastes, but with a modern twist and features inky blue walls, antiqued bronze mirrors, pre-faded rugs, dark timber loose furniture, dramatic lighting and bespoke banquettes in navy leather and velvet. A number of playful features referring directly to Sir James Pennethorne have also been incorporated.

The rectangular layout of the space is partially divided halfway along by a central wall, which features a further direct reference to Sir James Pennethorne in the form of almost 50 identical cameos (each one 25cm high), bespoke-made from his portrait image.

In the first half of this space, the right hand side is home to ‘The Larder’, where the pass for staff to pick up orders is located, along with certain elements of the food offer, such as breads and hanging dried meats. Metal gantries above and timber shelving to the rear are used for food display, with a gloss charcoal tiled back wall providing a dramatic backdrop.

Directly ahead as visitors come in, is the ‘Chef’s Table.’ SHH Project Architect Rose McShane explained: ‘The ‘Chef’s Table is a central feature of the space and acts both as the main servery and food display area in the daytime - complete with till point - and as a long communal drinking table at night. It features a blackened steel façade, a Carrara marble top, a brass bar on the front for menus to hang on and lighting from Atelier two-sphere pendants with T-shaped black metal fittings and frosted spherical lamps, supported by the blackened steel frame.

The bespoke navy banquettes in this and the next section, located below the row of six tall windows facing out onto Lancaster Place (and a dramatic overhead lighting feature), were designed by SHH, with leather seats and buttoned, velvet backs. Loose furniture here and throughout includes brass-wrapped tables (bespoke-made by UHS) and black-painted timber chairs with upholstered seats (the Ton Chair 33). A number of one-off antique furniture ‘finds’ have also been incorporated into the mix.

The stand-out feature bar is located in the second half of the space and has a leather front, with an almost patent sheen, along with a Carrera marble top and steel detailing. In the daytime, the ‘Brew Bar’ is located here, serving gourmet coffee (along with a traditional bar offering). The venue’s coffee offer is a special feature, from house blend ‘Number One’ from the Three Sixty coffee collection to a range of other single origin coffees.

Text.- SHH Architects.