7 London Design Destinations To Explore Post-Lockdown

After several uncertain months, our beloved capital is slowly coming back to life. And while the cities glorious parks have been a godsend throughout, we can’t deny that we’ve been itching to get back to some of the wining and dining that makes life in London so exciting. With a leisurely bank holiday ahead, we’ve rounded up 7 of the hottest design destinations to explore post-lockdown.

Mr Meng Noodle Bar

Choosing a Chinese restaurant in which to dine in Soho can be a tricky business. For many, the plethora of options invokes what Barry Schwartz describes as the “Paradox of Choice” — a paralysing first-world problem in which the humble consumer is overwhelmed by the possibilities on offer. Our current favourite spot is the Mr Meng Noodle Bar, designed by soon-to-be interior superstars, Holloway & Li.

A firm favourite in China, the restaurant represents the first European location of the spicy-noodle brand, and features a bold green-n-red palette that confidently updates the classic diner-style aesthetic. The elegantly spaced Nerd Barstools by Muuto allow for effortless physical distancing with subtle illumination provided by Verpan’s Flowerpot and Gubi’s Satellite Pendant Lights.

De Beauvoir Block

CH88T Dining Chair

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Ideal for those who are looking for a creative place to work North of the river, De Beauvoir encapsulates the cutting-edge cool of East London’s creative industry. While the heart of the urban co-working is undoubtedly the communal café, members can also enjoy the use of a stylish courtyard and meeting rooms.

The interior vibe is peppy industrial luxe — achieved through a mix of classic and contemporary styles. Design lovers will make a beeline for the Carl Hansen & Son CH88T chairs while keen eyes will also spot Flos‘ String Pendant Light‘s dangling overhead.

Locke at Broken Wharf

Atollo Table Lamp

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The Locke at Broken Wharf is our favourite of the two London hotels designed by NY-based design studio, Gryzwinksi & Pons. A veritable playground for lovers of contemporary design, it takes chintz tearoom styling and turns it on its head. Whereas the former can feel rather stuffy, the Locke is light, airy and lovely — an effect achieved through the clever use of pastels and gold metallic detailing.

In a recent interview, the duo described how the lack of period detailing in the architectural structure meant that they had to go all-in on the interior, employing a careful mix of Scandi & Italian brands to create personality and charm.

Sticks ‘N’ Sushi

CH37 Dining Chair

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Located on the King Road’s in Chelsea, Sticks ‘N’ Sushi is as light and refined as the Japanese food it serves. The brainchild of Norm Architects, its pared-back interiors pay homage to the Zen doctrines that underscore Oriental design. Softness can be found in the pale woods and paper lanterns with moments of luxury provided by the marble Gubi Gravity Table Lamps dispersed throughout the restaurant.

The Stratford

Loafer SC24 Dining Chair

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For a masterclass in luxe Scandi styling, you’ll need to get yourself down to the Stratford Hotel in the Olympic Park. Conceptualized top-to-bottom by Space Copenhagen, it channels the plush and luxurious spirit of some of New York’s long-stay hotels — an opulent experience that feels welcoming rather than ostentatious.

Complete with a sky terrace and mezzanine bar, The Stratford is a macro experiment in Space Copenhagen‘s distinctive style — a fusion of old-world glamour with clean Nordic lines. Design geeks will be quick to spot some of the design duo’s more famous designs — the Stay Collection for Gubi and a selection of &Tradition lounge chairs.

Huckletree

Capitol Complex Office Chair

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In Westminster, tech and government experts make light work of their daily tasks at the Huckletree co-working. Hidden behind gorgeous archways are iconic designs from Cassina and Thonet — fusing soft bentwood curves with sharp power lines.

The unit’s guiding principle — to create a meeting place for Civil Servant types and up-and-coming techies — is mirrored in the design language that pairs classic styles with playful prints and quirky pops of colour.

Silo Restaurant

Afteroom Counter Chair

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Last but not least is the much-hyped Silo restaurant and wine bar, London’s first foray into zero-waste dining. Under the auspices of head-chef Douglas McMaster, the team seek to create zero waste and close the loop on food production processes. The decor features innovative mycelium-materials and timeless Scandi styles from Menu and &Tradition — an example of how upcycling and forever-design can create a sustainable and beautiful future.

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