After a design collaboration between Studio Found and Woodhead Restaurant Group, 64 Goodge Street opens its doors

Award-winning hospitality design specialists, Studio Found, worked with the Woodhead Restaurant Group to build from scratch the French bistro inspired restaurant - 64 Goodge Street - in Fitzrovia, London on the site previously occupied by an old travel agent. Its deep green shop front reflects British countryside meets Parisian bistro.

Located  at its namesake 64 Goodge Street amongst the diverse residential area of Fitzrovia within 18th-19th Century grand apartment buildings steeped in history, the timelessly designed  restaurant is within the heart of Central London. 

Image: Billy Bolton & Studio Found

The site was acquired by Woodhead Restaurant Group, who tasked London-based Studio Found with ‘French bistro inspired design that boasts elegance and rustic feel whilst feeling effortlessly luxurious’ taking cues from head chef, Stuart Andrew’s time spent cooking in Paris. This is the Woodhead Restaurant Group’s fifth restaurant and in their words “The most considered restaurant from a design perspective within our group”.

“The brief for 64 Goodge Street was interesting: timeless design that reflects a laid back luxury found on the streets of Paris whilst prioritising comfort within all design aspects”. Said the Design Director and Founder of Studio Found, Ed Plumb.

“We steered away from a cliche design of a restaurant of this style and instead reflected the rustic inspired cooking through our material selection of farmhouse style features such as a combination brick  and rough timber flooring and sawn timber planks for dining tables. To avoid losing the luxury feel, more refined yet classic finishes such as aged brass and marble were also included,” he added.

Image: Billy Bolton & Studio Found

64 Goodge Street prides itself on its intimate setting that spans over 2000 square feet with seating for 44 covers, alongside an exclusive private dining room in the basement that seats up to 10 guests.

The design of the restaurant consciously guides guests from the busy London high street through to a warm intimate yet relaxed dining experience. This starts with the entrance lobby that can either lead guests to the main restaurant or to the staircase that leads into the basement area. The lobby has been created by a glazed screen which naturally creates separation and minimal disruption for diners, whilst creating flow in the entrance experience. Brick flooring has also been used to define the entrance space as you walk into the main dining area and then used again in the semi-private dining area at the front of the restaurant. Whereas stained light oak flooring has been used throughout to define the main dining area. Upon entering the main restaurant space diners are also greeted with walls clad in deep green stained timber panelling and a large green leather banquette which runs the length of the restaurant. Studio Found were keen that the timber panel grain be visible enough to soften the finish and add detail. This rich finish sits in contrast against light flooring, rustic timber tables  and the bistro style chairs have been included to keep that relaxed feeling.

Image: Billy Bolton & Studio Found

Bespoke light fittings designed by Studio Found have been used throughout to create intimacy and help define spaces such as the semi private dining area at the front of the restaurant. Studio Found worked with dried flower artist Design By Nature to develop a selection of pieces, including one which emerges from the feature light at the front of the restaurant. Continuing with the understated yet intimate theme - linen curtains are used to offer diners privacy from street views. This was also how they overcame the challenge of creating a feel of stepping away from the busy London high street.

Linking the dining space and open kitchen at the rear of the restaurant the brass, walnut and marble bar brings a refined elegance to the space and emphasises the quality of the wine and drinks offering, whilst an antique cabinet has been used to form the back bar display bringing charm and elegance to the space.

The private dining room which is located in the basement was designed to feel a touch more elevated than the ground floor, deep burgundy panelled walls provide the backdrop for artwork selected by Woodhead Restaurant Group owners. Once again Design By Nature have created a stunning dried flower wall sculpture which sits at the head of the dining table. A large oak joinery unit runs the full length of the room incorporating a bar, feature glass storage and wardrobe space for guests, this unit brings a domestic feel to the space which is intended to allow guests to feel at home.

“This space has been designed to reflect high-end informality and classical cooking techniques that our Head Chef, Stuart Andrew plans to offer. Think Paris from an outsider's perspective. This is the smartest restaurant in the group and we feel with 64 Goodge Street we are taking the opportunity to make a statement about the beautiful spaces we take pride in creating,” said Woodhead Restaurant Group Co-Owner, William Lander.

“Working with Studio Found has been delightful from start to finish - what sets them apart is their ability to marry unique design ideas with practical solutions and a decision-making process which reflects and respects the operational confines of a restaurant group. We could not have asked for better partners for the design of 64 Goodge Street", he adds.

Image: Billy Bolton & Studio Found

Goodge Street is in the centre of London’s food scene and a popular spot for city workers, with opening hours to reflect such. Other famous eateries to note locally include the Berner’sTavern known as a popular destination for the London’s style set to Clipstone, also owned by Woodhouse Group - an unfussy yet creative experience that’s attracted a buzz from the younger crowd.

Studio Found’s hospitality projects span across London and include the recently opened award-winning project of The Libertine located within the Vaults of The Royal Exchange to Honey & Co in Bloomsbury, among recently completed examples.