Manteca, Box 9 Design

Working closely with Lou Davies from Box 9 Design, Director Abby Chandler shares:

"Having been one of the original pioneers of “Industrial Design” in the London restaurant design scene (The Riding House Cafe, Smokstak), Lou Davies at Box 9 was keen to move away from this concept in her second restaurant for this client. Informing the brief were the core concepts of the restaurant, namely taking the dishes back to their origins - fresh pasta made from scratch, charcuterie and sausages made on the premises.

From this technical expertise came the idea of placing the kitchen front and centre, as if melting away the barriers between the diner and chef. Some of the biggest challenges to the project were from the operational perspective of creating this interface between kitchen and guest, but as Lou shares, because she and her business partner are both architects, they are never afraid of "bashing the building about a bit” and moving the odd staircase.

The palette of finishes became a work of contrast between the cool technical stainless steel of the kitchen and the warmth required to create the guest experience. Colours were chosen to reflect key ingredients such as buttery tones of fresh pasta paired with cognac leather seats.

Having worked with Box 9 on many projects, Viaduct was able to recommend chair and bar stools that would reflect the concept of natural, elemental materials, including Oak and Saddle Hide to represent the idea of craft in a technical setting.

In terms of influences, Lou tries not to be guided by other restaurants and bars, but prefers to be informed by the provenance of the food, mixed with more abstract influences from photography, architecture and craft. Lou says 'the aim is to create an exciting environment where the diner will feel inspired and engaged, and yet totally relaxed'.

We are absolutely delighted to be currently working with Lou and her team on the third restaurant for the same client which will open in 2024."

For more information on Box 9, visit their website: Box 9 Design

Photographer: Mariell Lind Hansen