Continuing Peckham‘s transition into a foodie nirvana, new restaurant Kudu sees chef Patrick Williams—alongside partner Amy Corbin—drawing inspiration from his South African roots; serving up a whole host of creative plates cooked over fire, including potjie (traditional small pot dishes) and braai (barbecued or roasted meats).
The 52-cover eatery has a neighbourhood restaurant vibe, its menu shaped by the seasons, its ambience exuding from Williams and Corbin’s passion. Sourcing produce as locally as possible, the duo celebrate foragers and hunters, and use herbs and veg from their own garden to create plates that burst with colour, flavour, and innovation.
London based multidisciplinary practice A-nrd Studio worked on the interiors at Kudu, stripping back walls only to find a patchwork of old materials, and tongue and groove wood panelling interrupted by concrete renderings. “We immediately fell in love with the randomness of the finishes,” reveals A-nrd founder Alessio Nardi, “so decided to keep them all, revising the design scheme to play with these beautiful finds.” Heritage of the building intact, A-nrd toned down the patchwork of materials with a coat of rose brown paint that now contrasts with the burnt umber ceiling and reclaimed African mahogany parquet flooring.
A 1920s holophane chandelier takes pride of place over the kitchen counter, whilst forest green velvet banquette seating and raspberry velvet stools add colour and tactility. The Orangie, a space adorned with antique mirrors and handmade concrete floor tiles, can be found at the back of the restaurant, and leads into an outdoor garden; set to open to diners before the summer. Here, on warm summer nights, the aroma of barbecue paired with considered design and South African passion, the streets of Peckham could seem some 10,000 miles away.
Photography, courtesy A-nrd Studio
