KETTNER's by Studioilse: Reinventing a Legend

Words by Tina Komninou

14 January 2010

KETTNER's by Studioilse: Reinventing a Legend

Words by Tina Komninou

14 January 2010

London, UK

The reopening of Kettner’s, one of London’s most iconic and nostalgic venues, marks the seamless fusion of history and modernity. Located in Soho, Kettner’s has been lovingly reimagined by the celebrated Ilse Crawford and her teams at Ilse Crawford Ltd. and Studioilse. With a reputation for creating spaces that go beyond design, Crawford has revived Kettner’s with a meticulous attention to detail, balancing its storied past with contemporary sophistication.

Nestled in what was once the French Quarter of Soho, Kettner’s occupies four Georgian houses spanning five floors. Since its establishment in 1867 by Napoleon III’s former chef, August Kettner, the venue has been a gathering place for royalty, celebrities, and bohemians alike. Figures such as Oscar Wilde, King Edward VII and his mistress Lillie Langtry, Agatha Christie, and Bing Crosby once walked its halls, making it synonymous with elegance, scandal, and charm. This illustrious history inspired Crawford’s sensitive restoration, which captures the essence of Kettner’s legacy while offering a fresh take on its timeless appeal.

KETTNER’s floors.

Photo © Paul Raeside.

Stepping into Kettner’s, guests are greeted by a French retro aesthetic. The brasserie features a mosaic monogram floor, marble-topped tables adorned with aristocratic candlesticks, and plush velvet sofas. The design invites you into an ambiance of warmth and elegance, evoking images of a bygone era where champagne flowed and whispers of intrigue filled the air. The brasserie’s layout seamlessly transitions into the Pudding Bar, a whimsical space reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland, with pastel-colored leather chairs and playful touches that perfectly blend nostalgia with modern flair.

The Champagne Bar, a more masculine and intimate setting, offers a stark contrast. With a rich wooden bar, a gold-mirrored countertop, and mosaic floors, the space exudes sophistication. Freestanding cabinets display curated collections, while mirrors reflect its understated luxury, creating the feeling of being in a private residence. From here, guests can retreat to private nooks, cloaked in heavy velvet drapery, perfect for intimate conversations or moments of solitude. These secluded spaces invite intrigue and indulgence, capturing the essence of Kettner’s reputation as a haven for discretion and decadence.

Moving upstairs, Kettner’s offers an array of private dining rooms, each with its own character yet unified by a shared design language. From the Attic Den to the Cabinet Particulier, these rooms evoke the intimacy of a residential setting with warm wall colors, bespoke furniture, and thoughtfully curated lighting. The spaces seamlessly transition from formal dining to relaxed gatherings, offering versatility for both private events and professional meetings.

At the heart of Kettner’s lies The Apartment, a private hire space and a crowning jewel of the redesign. This open-plan area reintroduces the original wooden wall paneling and decorative geometric ceilings, creating an atmosphere of understated grandeur. Individual furniture pieces, carefully chosen for their unique character, contribute to the residential feel, while the discreet lighting allows the architectural details to shine. It is a space designed for comfort, elegance, and an effortless sense of luxury.

Kettner’s, with its layered history and impeccable redesign, is a celebration of both its storied past and its vibrant present. Whether enjoying breakfast in the brasserie, indulging in sweets at the Pudding Bar, sipping champagne in the bar, or dancing the night away in the Attic, every moment at Kettner’s feels like a step into a timeless world of glamour and grace. As one of London’s most treasured spaces, Kettner’s continues to enchant and inspire, proving that true elegance is indeed eternal.