FRAN HICKMAN DESIGN & INTERIORS
By extending the existing structure, Fran
Hickman have carefully honoured both the
building’s heritage and the original architects’
philosophy, whilst dynamically redesigning the
space with their signature bespoke touches,
opening it up to the newly-named Smithson
Plaza (renowned as one of the few quiet places
in central London) and allowing Locket’s to
celebrate the classical flair of the Italian piazza in
the heart of St James’.
Floor to ceiling glass windows shower the room
in natural daylight whilst decorative table lights
wear shades made of parchment. A cork bar
guides along the right-hand wall and luxurious
banquettes in pale teal leather add to the early
seventies theme with individual custom resin
tables overlooking the bustling streets and art
galleries of Bury Street. Milan’s grand entryways
inspire the lacquered brass door detailing, while
across the space a palette of moss greens and
burnt yellows combine with cork and patinated
copper work, as well as marble and wooden
elements, to create an atmosphere which is
warm and lively but intimate.
The studio took inspiration from the Smithsons’
Sudgen House (1955) and the mid-century
sensuality of Milanese residence Villa Borsani
for the eye-catching monochrome polyvinyl
flooring and worked with specialist fabricators
to create bespoke, amber resin table tops and
spherical fiberglass pendants. Upholstery
inspired by gentlemen’s outfitters’ from the era
of the building’s construction were originated
from the archive at Tibor – a family-owned
textile house still weaving fabrics on handlooms
– and used to cover the seating, as well as inspire
a flame-stitched veneer wall-cladding at the end
of the bar. The House of the Future (1956) gives
rise to the clean, curved lines and bull-nosed
edging of the bar tops and the scalloped detailing
in the flooring and wall-mirroring – all of which
bring curves of femininity to traditionally
straight, geometric lines.
Named after Locket Hambro, the great-
granddaughter of Olaf Hambro who, over 275
years ago, took on the running of one of St
James’s most iconic restaurants, Wiltons, and
whose family still run to this day. With this long
history of restaurants in her family, it was only
a matter of time before Locket branched out
with her own venture, Locket’s. Vibrant cafe by
day, Locket’s will transform into a casual wine
bar at night becoming the perfect evening drink
spot with light, simple small plates, focussing on
European flavours.
“We loved working with Locket and the Wiltons
group on the wine bar. Deeply hospitable and
professional, it has been nothing but a pleasure
working on this fresh fun addition to the
neighbourhood.”
WEBSITE: www.locketslondon.com
THE WORLD OF HOSPITALITY
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