The World of Hospitality Issue 37 2020 | Page 18

18 THE WORLD OF HOSPITALITY FRAN HICKMAN DESIGN & INTERIORS Fran Hickman Design & Interiors unveils its design for Locket’ s, a brand new all-day cafe and wine bar in the heart of St James’ s Food & Drink Renowned design studio, Fran Hickman, known for its bespoke, highly tailored approach, is delighted to present its design for Locket’s, a brand new all-day cafe and wine bar in London’s Piccadilly, from the team behind the historic Wilton’s. Fran Hickman Design & Interiors have reimagined a Grade II* listed London landmark in Piccadilly with a contemporary design which nods to the upholstered old-school of St James’s members’ clubs and Jermyn Street gentlemen’s outfitters, made easy by the familiar comforts of the traditional Italian trattoria then given a robust twist – or rather curve – of femininity. The light and open informal dining space is housed in what was the former Economist building on ‘Smithson Plaza’, 25 St James’s Street, originally designed by dynamic mid-century architectural partners Alison and Peter Smithson. Completed in 1964 and home to The Economist for over half a century, this Grade II* listed building complex, today regarded as a triumph of post-war brutalism and a London landmark, has undergone a major, deeply respectful, renovation.