Buenos Aires hotspot ‘Montagu’ was born from the desire to redefine the sandwich experience; the 85 square metre outpost named after the famous Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu, who is credited with the invention of this popular snack.
Designed by Grizzo Studio and Rocio Martinez Serra, the concept for Montagu was inspired by the duality between elegance and the mundane, fusing these ideas to create an atmosphere of ironic luxury, adopting a kitsch approach for this concept of elevating the simple sandwich to new heights.
The façade, originally decorated with mouldings and ornaments, has had a tidy up with panels covered with rhomboidal limestone to create a pattern reminiscent of the classic English print, and geometric terrazzo pieces in burgundy tones that guide towards the main access and create a harmonious transition between exterior and interior.
Inside, the guest’s attention is diverted to a chandelier created from plastic gold party favours and suspended over an inverted crown that doubles up as a table. Covered in grey granite scraps arranged side by side, the bar rests on a block of polished marble, creating a visual contrast that evokes a feeling of elegant decay, like the vestiges of yesteryear. Towards the back of the premises is a synthesis of an English train with seats and windows that are visually repeated, generating continuity through strategically placed mirrors that allude to the feeling of being inside a carriage. The aesthetic cohesion of the space is reflected in the floor, the wall covering and the tables, all designed specifically for the premises in a chromatic unity.
For those who draw their eyes to the ceiling, a highlight of the interior design will be spotted: a contemporary and jovial mural that reinterprets Michelangelo’s famous work, The Creation of Adam, where God’s hand is replaced by a winged sandwich, and Adam wears Jordan sneakers, a basketball jersey and tattoos; embodying the fusion between traditional and contemporary, a feature that most definitely characterises this place.
Fun, friendly, and undeniably delicious, Montagu encapsulates the spirit of Buenos Aires with a dash of irreverence and a sprinkle of charm. So, whether you’re indulging in a classic sandwich or simply soaking in the eclectic atmosphere, one thing’s for sure: Montagu is where the magic happens, one bite at a time.
Montagu Buenos Aires Photography, Federico Kulekdjian.
