The design holds true to the chef’s philosophy of blending tradition and modernity and draws inspiration from the architecture and landscapes of Oaxaca. Strong shapes, soft colors and clean lines celebrate the historic architecture of Ricardo Legorreta, the ceramics of Gustavo Perez and the textures of artist Ernesto Alva.
“The design concept takes elements from Martha’s cuisine, Mexican architecture, materiality, craft, color, texture and art,” says Simon Rawlings, creative director of David Collins Studio. “Our study of the country’s mid-century furniture really shaped a direction that would stay true to Mexico’s flair and also fit its London home.”
Set within the floor-to-ceiling windows adjacent to Hyde Park, large circular lenses of textured glass feature hammered gunmetal frames. The lenses are inspired by the work of Mexican artist Feliciano Bejar, who is known for his magiscopios style of sculpture that used glass to distort vision.
A 45-meter floor-to-ceiling walnut installation, inspired by the work of Mexican furniture designer Eugenio Escadero, greets guests when they arrive. Hand-carved in one continuous movement, the piece runs the entire length of the restaurant and ties the intimate dining spaces together.
Tabletops throughout the restaurant are inspired by the tactile pottery of Gustavo Perez and are finished in a hand-crafted eggshell, ivory and black lacquer, all trimmed in walnut.
The stylish bar evokes Mexican furniture designer Eugenio Escadero’s influence with black clay formed in an organic asymmetric shape, topped in rouge griotte marble and framed in walnut paneling. This approach continues through the bespoke tables, cantilevers, walnut barstools, tan leather banquettes and armchairs.
Creating a soft glow and warm ambience, plants positioned throughout the space and chalky ivory walls with delicate touches of gold reflect the light. Handmade Mexican amate wallpaper is finished in a hand-brushed gloss paint and acts as a warm backdrop to the custom wall lights and gold leaf mirror.
