Maison François Brasserie in London by The Guild of Saint Luke/ John Whelan.

John Whelan, Creative Director of the artist collective, The Guild of Saint Luke, has created a deliciously rich burgundy-red interior scheme for Maison François brasserie in London. Referencing Ricardo Bofill’s La Fabrica project in Barcelona, this once empty concrete shell is now an incredibly sophisticated brasserie designed around the form of an oversized arch.

The arch becomes the defining character in the space. Walls, covered in terracotta-coloured stucco, are rhythmically interrupted by arch-shaped recesses. Their elongated forms speak of elegance and luxury, two things that are not in short supply in this interior. Brass light fixtures, mirrored surfaces, and hanging pendant lights sit alongside one another, creating a sense of welcoming warmth that’s simply irresistible.

Related: Ricardo Bofill’s Epic Home Within an Old Cement Factory in Spain.

The dining experience feels intimate and cosy. Walnut seating banquettes hugs the guests, exquisitely detailed latticed patterns line the backs of the chairs, creating a highly refined, textural finish. Matching walnut dining chairs, upholstered with light linen fabric, act as a counterbalance to the rich, deep colour of the scheme – cultivating the perfect balance between the light and the dark.

A mahogany latticed hood sits above the open kitchen. An amber-toned oversized clock, constructed from bespoke patinated nickel and bronze, perfectly complements the surrounding colour palette. The typical separation between customer and chef has been avoided in this restaurant. A few metal shelves are all that stands between the cooking pan and patron’s plate, allowing guests to feel as though they have been invited right into the kitchen – an experience everyone loves, especially when someone else is doing all the hard work.

[Images courtesy of The Guild of Saint Luke. Photography by Oskar Proctor.]