Case Study: Guthrie & Kirkwood

If you’ve seen FX’s The Bear, you’ll be well aware of just how stressful the inner workings of a professional kitchen can be. But what about creating the parts you do see in your favourite eatery? Crafting a charming, stylish space, while ensuring it can withstand the high-traffic, fast-paced world of restauranteering, is a fine line.

It’s one that the design team at Guthrie & Kirkwood set out to define when they undertook the full refit of Fish Union, a hybrid chef-led fishmonger offering small plates and fizz. How do you match the colour palette of a space with that of the à la carte menu? What lighting presents a dish in its best light? And how to bring the aesthetic of the ocean to a quaint village in South East London? We sat down with founder and head designer, Elle, to explore the joys, challenges, and decisions behind creating a space for the modern culinary world, where, with the support of our trade team, the entire process became smoother and more efficient.

Hi Elle, I wanted to begin with something I’d seen you mention previously regarding this project in preserving the charm of an intimate restaurant while styling it for present-day design. How did you modernise a space while preserving its local, rustic aesthetic?

"The client initially referenced an industrial feel, but for us that was more of a starting point than a literal brief. Given our understanding of the Fish Union brand and the exceptional quality of the food, it felt important that the space reflected something more considered and refined. Rather than leaning into overtly industrial or rustic cues, we focused on creating a setting that balanced material honesty with warmth and quiet confidence. The design needed to elevate the dining experience and sit comfortably alongside the menu's calibre, so our interpretation evolved to better align with the brand’s long-term identity!"

On the subject of modernising, what was the importance of using Occhio lighting in this project?

"For Fish Union, we chose Occhio because it offered the level of precision and architectural quality we were looking for. The fittings allowed us to layer the light in a considered way – carefully highlighting tables and key details without overwhelming the space. It was important that the lighting felt warm and natural, enhancing the materials and the food, and creating a dining room that feels relaxed, refined and effortless."

Are there any obstacles you face when creating a space that caters (if you’ll excuse the pun) to a high footfall like this one?

"High footfall inevitably sharpens the practical side of the design process. Durability heavily influences finish selection; finishes must withstand constant use while maintaining their intended appearance. We carefully consider how surfaces, edges, and detailing will perform over time, particularly in key circulation areas. Simultaneously, the layout must function quietly and efficiently, ensuring smooth flow for staff and guests without compromising the space's overall feel."

Would you say that an open-plan layout improves a busy space like this one?

"An open-plan layout works really well for Fish Union because it gives the space a sense of flow and openness, so it never feels cramped, even when busy. It allows sightlines and light to move across the room, showing off the materials and key features. Most importantly, it keeps the focus on the food and the experience, letting the restaurant feel generous, lively, and welcoming at the same time."

Looking deeper at the challenges, which obstacle was the hardest thing to overcome in completing this project?

"From a commercial perspective, the biggest challenge was managing the timelines. We had a four-week window to turn the project around, involving a comprehensive refit – new flooring, electrical work, finishes, and building a bar area, among other things. As a working business, closing its doors for that period naturally had an impact, even though it was accounted for; therefore, delays of any kind were not an option. It required careful planning, coordination, and everyone working efficiently to ensure the project was completed on time without compromising quality."

Which piece in this project is the most important to the overall feel of the restaurant?

"For me, one of the most satisfying parts of the project was introducing Occhio lighting. It wasn’t an obstacle in the traditional sense, but getting the client to trust the product and see how it could work in the space was a real moment of triumph. I had to carefully show them how it would perform, both practically and aesthetically. Once they saw it in context, it completely transformed the way the restaurant felt. Convincing them to take that leap really reinforced the value of thoughtful, considered lighting in shaping the dining experience. Seeing the installed lighting transform the restaurant was hugely rewarding and validated the design approach."

Guthrie and Kirkwood have been creating beautiful interiors together with us for over 10 years. What do you feel is the secret to the success of our longstanding partnership?

"The success really comes down to shared values and a commitment to quality. While my co-founder is no longer involved, I’m fortunate to work alongside a talented team whose expertise and creativity have strengthened the business and helped us continue delivering considered, beautiful interiors. The business and its offering have evolved significantly because I’ve pushed it forward, and I remain fully committed to its future."

Are there any of our brands that have worked particularly well across multiple projects? An all-rounder, if you will!”

"Cattelan Italia has been a true all-rounder across projects because its pieces balance quality, versatility, and style. The finishes and detailing are consistently high quality, which makes them easy to integrate into different interiors while still adding a sense of sophistication and personality."

Having worked together for the time we have, are there any specific parts of the service we offer that you find help your design process?

"I’ve worked alongside Ludovic at Chaplins for many years, and he’s been fantastic to collaborate with. He’s professional, knowledgeable, and always supportive, which makes the process smooth and ensures we make confident, well-informed decisions for each project."

I always like to bring interviews to a close on a more personal level, so if you could have one piece of design in your home, what would it be?

"Honestly, it would be almost any product from Poltrona Frau! The quality, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance of their pieces make them a joy to live with, bringing both comfort and a sense of luxury to any space."

Have you got a favourite dish at Fish Union so far?

"It’s hard to choose just one, but I love their croquettes. Their ‘Our Chips’ is a signature dish that everyone must try. With the quality and variety on the menu, it’s really difficult to pick a favourite."

If you were to open your own restaurant, what would its speciality be?

"If I were to open my own restaurant, it would be all about food that’s simple, honest, and absolutely delicious – the kind of dishes you want to eat again and again. I’d focus on high-quality ingredients, cooked with care, and presented effortlessly. The space would be welcoming and defined by great design, as thoughtful and considered as the food on the plate – a bit like Fish Union!"

We'll end on a big one: if budget were no object, what would your dream project be?

"Personally – if budget were no object, I’ve always dreamed of buying an estate in a state of disrepair and bringing it back to its former glory, while introducing modern design elements. I’d love to incorporate the architectural features I admire – big windows, generous natural light, and a strong connection between indoors and outdoors. It wouldn’t just be about the interiors; I’d want to transform the grounds too, creating a home that feels open, elegant, and completely considered."

"Professionally – if budget were no object, my dream project would be to expand on our current work, collaborating with clients who value our skillset and trust us to remodel and reinvigorate their homes and gardens. Projects that include thoughtfully designed bespoke joinery, kitchens, and fitted or freestanding furniture mean a great deal to me. The effort, skill, and time that go into creating and producing this work are an art form in themselves, adding incredible value to a project and, ultimately, to the home. Combined with architectural enhancements like large windows, generous natural light, and carefully considered grounds, it’s about creating a space that balances comfort and modern design, both inside and out."

Thanks for chatting with us Elle, we'll get our reservation in ASAP.

"A pleasure!"