Kittyhawk

Our brief was to capture the WWII atmosphere without looking like a retro theme park. To reflect the area’s Victorian heritage, we used local reclaimed tumbled bricks and created a hand-laid mosaic floor with 45,000 tesserae designed by Alex Zabotto-Bentley. We created custom elements and sourced original paraphernalia, from posters and prints to curios. We were asked to create distinct spaces that flowed naturally from the standing bar areas, through intimate tables and booths, a conservatory and a VIP lounge, to accommodate 175 patrons. We collaborated with three artists to create a feature mural and with master craftsmen who custom carved the 13-metre French oak bar. We were able to create custom solutions while supporting local talent. These hand skills also add unparalleled warmth to the space. In a digital age, human touch is crucial. The client asked us to create a space that was redolent with the celebratory and heroic atmosphere of the Liberation of Paris. It needed to have immediate visual impact, yet invite repeated visits and more exploration. We created layers of detail using authentic pieces and hand finishes to build the story. We created a light-drenched conservatory area with lush greenery to bring the outside in.