Fettle partners with Annabel’s on theatrical, members-only restaurant

Images courtesy of Annabel’s 

London and LA-based architecture and design studio Fettle has unveiled Bolívar, an intimate, rustic restaurant on the second floor of iconic London members’ club, Annabel’s. The studio worked in collaboration with Annabel’s owner Richard Caring to create a destination restaurant inspired by Mexican Cantinas from the 18^th century. The concept takes cues from Latin American design from this era, with Fettle incorporating an eclectic mix of vintage features including a rustic entrance door, distressed wall finishes and antique furniture.

The rustic cantina aesthetic continues with the use of wrought iron in both the bespoke light fixtures and the window frames, paired alongside a traditional stone fireplace lit with an abundance of tall wax candles. To give the space a more authentic vintage feel, the walls have been aged with peeling plasterwork and painted in a faded yellow hue, exposing what would be the original brick and stone throughout the interior. Fettle also reclaimed exposed timber planks for the ceiling, and even distressed the leather upholstery on the dining and bar chairs. The cosy, 75 sqm space therefore welcomes guests with a rich, earthy palette and warm, ambient lighting, in a purposeful contrast from the bright, opulent interiors of Annabel’s (designed by Martin Brudnizki) so that diners feel immediately transported to a different time and place.

Fettle also designed bespoke dining chairs for Bolívar, opting for brown leather and brass stud detailing, which are paired alongside new tabletops made from reclaimed timber boards. The restaurant also features a backlit display bar, with an array of bottles arranged on wooden shelving with antiqued mirrored panelling. Custom artwork was additionally created by London fine art and design brand Adam Ellis Studio, combining a mix of paintings with antique maps and wall hangings.

“We were delighted to work with Richard Caring and The Birley Clubs on this special project, completely transforming the existing interior within Annabel’s,” said Andy Goodwin, co-founder of Fettle. “We wanted the space to have a strong identity and a sense of theatre. Bolívar is an authentically designed portal to another time, unexpected, pared back yet dramatic – we are very proud of the finished result.”