Chef Santiago Lastra’s latest venture sees London-based A-nrd Studio create a metaphorical home-away-from-home, where the locally inspired fare and affable atmosphere of family-owned Mexican restaurants unite with a contemporary twist informed by its host city.
FONDA, named after the informal and communal style of these family eateries, features some design cues and artistic collaborations which A-nrd debuted on Lastra’s first endeavour, KOL; the award-winning designers scouring their archive from a trip which took them from Mexico City to Oaxaca and the Yucatan.
Located in London’s Mayfair, diners enter from Heddon Street to be transported through an amber glazed Kansa glass enclosure into a scene of craft and colour. Despite its size, 450 square metres, taking inspiration from the Casonas or ‘traditional farmhouses’ of Mexico, the kitchen at FONDA is the central focus, with all else revolving around here. To create an intimate feel, a combination of a rustic mix of textures, humble shapes and design details give an honest and visually rich scheme.
Interiors honour authentic native Mexican creativity with wooden totem sculptures from M.A Estudio which tell a story of indigenous communities and wood carving practices, and form many of the artworks curated by A-nrd for Fonda. Artisanal terracotta hued tiles from Solus are used on the walls in a complementary shades of limewash, whilst a soft, muted pink limewashed façade and cherry stained oak counter with farmhouse detailing, juxtaposed by glossy textured cobalt blue tiles, are other design highlights.
Bypass the shaggy pink sloth by Laposse on the stairwell to access a moody basement bar with a red travertine countertop and pink accents maintains the warm, earthy palette; the entire space enriched with Mexican arts and crafts, lush planting, and bespoke furnishings to conjure a welcoming, immersive atmosphere that celebrates Mexican heritage.
Crafting an irresistible tribute to Mexico for Santiago Lastra and MJMK Restaurants, A-nrd’s impeccable styling for FONDA is an ode to authenticity and a riot of colour, fun and feel-good dining vibes.
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FONDA London Photography, David Cleveland.
