Re-envisioning seven neighbourhood pubs into modern, inclusive community cornerstones.

The British pub is central to our culture, but has long been a safe space for men and not always welcoming of other genders or children. We worked closely with our client, Mel Marriot, to redesign the fabric of these spaces in order to create an inclusive, welcoming public space for all, during all hours of the day. The key for each space was softening the interiors and textures, while opening up the interiors as much as possible to speak to inclusivity and a homeliness that would be approachable for all.

32 THE OLD TOWN, CLAPHAM, 2014
A tired, old, dark pub transformed into a modern, all-day drinking and dining bar, full of light and bespoke designer furniture. The huge central oak bar replaced a stair block and opened up the interiors completely. The front terrace was filled with trees and whitewashed decking and crafted oak furniture, giving it a sun-drenched feel and contrasting wonderfully with the elegant new dark and moody grey exterior.

NO.1 DUKE STREET, RICHMOND, 2014
A difficult site with virtually no natural daylight and long, awkward corridors. The ground-floor façade was completely replaced with full-width, elegant timber-framed doors, and the commercial yellow brick façade now has a handsome, dark feel, framing the newly renovated courtyard. The entrance hall has been remodelled into a light-filled, conservatory-style all-day bar, leading past a huge, welcoming fireplace into the back room.

NO.29 POWER STATION WEST, BATTERSEA POWER STATION, 2017
Winning the contract to design the first bar to open at the iconic Battersea Power Station redevelopment, we were tasked with setting the tone for the site's new character. Inspired by the era of the original power station—elegant Art Deco fused with industrial power design, with a twist of our own—we collaborated with many talented makers to create a space filled with bespoke pieces of furniture and lighting modelled on original designs from the 1920s through to the 1950s. We commissioned bespoke patterned tiles, handmade in Spain by Bert & May, to replicate an original found design. They offer a dramatic effect throughout the lower ground floor.

NO.17 DICKENS YARD, EALING, 2018
This modern villa-like venue has soft, sculptural bars, huge lamps, and ancient timber furniture. The space is surrounded by glazing and wraparound terraces, so we contrasted all the light with dark, moody walls and dark concrete floors. The long downstairs bar is modelled on the back of a voluptuous armchair, with an enormous bullnose bar top in navy blue plaster, and curved navy blue leather panels. Upstairs, we embraced the sunny terrace with pale, clay-like walls and a light, stony bar.

601 QUEENS ROAD, WIMBLEDON, 2018
This was our sixth bar designed for Darwin & Wallace. A tired glass dome with a wraparound terrace was transformed into a bright, impressive greenhouse, with a terrace overflowing with planting and handcrafted furniture. A mix of Scandinavian design and enchanting English vintage pieces gives this bar a beautiful, light, relaxed feeling.

35 MACKENZIE WALK, CANARY WHARF, 2019
Our seventh bar with Darwin & Wallace: we created a retreat from the hard, shiny steel and glass architecture of Canary Wharf. A sanctuary of soft natural tones, textures, simplicity, and comfort. A classic D&W interior, creating the feel of an aspirational home interior this time, with a very urban edge.

LITTLE SISTER, BATTERSEA, 2020
For the final bar, we chose to reflect our client’s incredible nature: effortless, laid-back, sunkissed elegance. A palette of peaches and waves, evoking a sense of beachside luxury, raw materials, and a space that felt restorative and soulful.