Emilie Bonaventure: Frenchie, Covent Garden
Emilie Bonaventure leaves her mark on the brand new Frenchie restaurant by chef Gregory Marchand located in the hugely popular Covent Garden location.
Covent Garden is fast becoming the restaurant destination for unique and characterful design. Fascinating spaces are being transformed in this historic and hugely popular area, giving visitors an exclusive taste into the diverse culinary world whilst allowing them to dine in style. Chef Gregory Marchand has transported the popular Parisian restaurant Frenchie to London, calling on the expertise of Emilie Bonaventure to create a brand new concept in design, merging Parisian opulence and Emilie's unique personal style.
The entire space has such a light and airy feel, accentuated by large windows and light wells, allowing natural light to flood into the restaurant and bar areas. Whitewashed walls stand in contrast to the soft red tones of the exposed brickwork, injecting warmth and charm into the design. Subtle tones of brass, copper and zinc have been used to build an elegant persona throughout the design. Brass has been included on the larger features such as the stair railing and trim, pendant lighting and bar foot rail whilst copper has been assigned to the bar and table accessories, a colour also echoed in the upholstery selection of the dining chairs.
As guests walk down the split staircase, they are greeted by a beautiful stone fireplace, complete with decorative ironwork detailing and contrasting brass accessories. The fireplace is a strong favourite with visitors, framing the top of the staircase when viewed from the lower level, working effortlessly to connect the two levels together. Upon reaching the basement, it is only when one turns around that the view can truly be appreciated, a brass staircase framed by a black metal wine rack wall.
So often forgotten in restaurant design, the washrooms have a charm of their very own. Accentuating the copper and brass tones of the restaurant, Vintage map wallpaper has been used to dress three walls and the ceiling, leaving the remaining wall clear to hold three dual sinks with brass taps and a series of curved edge mirrors hung below black and copper cylindrical feature lighting. The washrooms alone are a reason in themselves to experience Frenchie for yourself. With such an impressive and welcoming feel, this is a restaurant that I am most certainly looking forward to visiting again.
