The aptly-named canteen-style restaurant, Canteen, now has outlets covering all of London’s hot-spots; from Baker Street to Spitalfields. With classic British inspired cooking and award-winning menus you’re likely to expect quality ingredients in the overtly traditional guise of pies, fish and chips, and poached egg on toast. More than just a canteen, the diner concept is also a design collaboration with Very Good and Proper – who have designed the furnishings and interiors to suit each individual space. Pared down communal style, each of Canteen’s unique outfits personify the very core of Britishness.
The team’s latest is a Covent Garden branch, dripping in the sort of primary school-esque retro style that has seen their brand continue to grow at break-neck speed. Typifying all that is British cuisine and aesthetic, we spoke to co-founder and designer Patrick Clayton-Malone about the ‘Canteen Utility’ chair, Acid House, the Olympics, and – of course – all things Create GB…
Where’s your hometown, and where are you based now?
London.
Do you think location affects creativity?
Yes.
Is Britain’s creative industry too London-centric?
I don’t think so, but if it is, I don’t think it’s an issue. London is a very inspiring place to live.
How would you describe British creativity?
Unique, innovative, practical and considered.
Has being British had an effect on your discipline?
Yes, everyone is influenced by their upbringing and surroundings.
What do you thinking the rest of the world’s view of British creativity is?
I can only go on our experience, with the incredibly positive international response the Canteen concept has received. Also, the Very Good and Proper ‘Canteen Utility’ chair has been an international success – and it can now also be found in sought‐after locations around the world – MoMA Sweden, the BBC and Channel 4 creative meeting spaces, and the new Facebook headquarters in San Francisco.
The Swinging ’60s, punk, Hacienda-era Manchester… is there one period of intense British creativity that you’d like to have been a part of, and why?
I was part of the Acid House movement; it was creatively very exciting, unrestricted and for a brief period non-corporate. It inherited DNA from the punk scene and still inspires me today. Obviously the 60s would have been a great time to have been in London.
Are there any quintessential British traditions that inform your work?
Practicality, post-war frugality in our manufacturing base that inspired design methods, and optimistic mid-century modern public space architecture.
Where in Britain do you feel most inspired?
London, the West Country and the Isle of Skye.
The top 3 British creatives who have inspired you?
Robin Day, Alex Moulton and Harry Beck.
If you could collaborate with one GB creative, from any field, who would it be, and why?
Prince Charles, to make some sausages!
Will you be watching the Olympics?
Yes, very excited. I’ve got tickets for track female sprint, men’s keirin, and table tennis.
If creativity was an Olympic sport, who’s the one person you’d want to represent Britain on the global stage?
Clearly Jonathan Ive is currently affecting the way the world works. Also Richard Hamilton and Vivian Westwood.
Which sport would you like to compete in at London 2012?
Canoe slalom.
You couldn’t live without…
Friends, food and my bicycle.
What makes you smile?
Family Guy and sunshine.
The best piece of advice you’ve ever been given…
Celebrate your uniqueness; the good will out.
We’re going to the pub and we’re buying, what are you drinking?
Kennel’s Pale Ale.
Interior photography © Ed Reeve
