The new produce-driven concept presents a sophisticated and seasonal menu celebrating the flavours of southern-Europe, in a timeless yet contemporary setting designed by B3 Designers. Lita, short for “abuelita,” (meaning grandmother in Spanish) brings the ambience and warmth of a family setting with an open layout and a roaring open fire.
STEPPING INTO THE RESTAURANT
Guests are greeted by a rustic and charming space, with options to dine at the marble-topped bar, antique-style tables, cosy booths, private dining area or al fresco.
“The design is inspired by the chateaus of the French countryside and the restaurant is laid out to feel open, welcoming, and homely. With a warm, earthy colour palette and abundance of natural light, Lita presents timeless interiors”, says Laura Caner, Lead Designer.
THE DETAILS
The floor has been laid with reclaimed terracotta tiles in a herringbone pattern and exposed wooden joists run across the ceiling. The dining room features lush banquettes in warm blood-orange mohair fabric and restored antique tables and chairs by Guillerme et Chambron. Deep green drapes and bar stools complement this warmth. Wall finishes are distressed and textured for a rustic paint effect. The bespoke lighting features bronze and antique brass details. The roaring open fire grill at the back of the restaurant is the focal point, where Chef Ahearne and his talented team will prepare each dish for service.
private dining room
The thoughtfully designed private dining room seats eight and has a custom-made vitrine, floral wallpaper, wall sconces and a feature chandelier.
Mark Bithrey, Founding Director of B3 Designers says, "with Lita, we had the tremendous opportunity to create such a unique experience that is hard to come by in London. We designed it so guests could dine in the kitchen alongside the chefs cooking and plating their food. We chose interior elements that would transport people away from their natural environments into the countryside of the Mediterranean."
Bar Counters and wine cellars
Throughout the restaurant, guests can choose to dine at one of the three open counters where the chefs, who have been a clear focus while designing the space, will prep and plate their food. The bar counters are timber-clad with a mid-tone reddish sapele timber and have red travertine stone bar tops. All bar equipment sits within the bespoke cupboards - a unique element that aims at a more homelike ambience. The walk-in wine cellar is central to the guest experience - the custom joinery houses a handpicked selection of Mediterranean wine and a worktop for the sommelier.
washrooms
The washrooms are designed with traditional basins, zellige tiles, and terracotta for the floors. The doors are bespoke with a unique stained glass feature.
'Lita is a timeless restaurant which aims to transport guests out of London; and inspire feelings of nostalgia and home. The project has been collaborative from the start, we feel their vision has come to life and we can’t wait for everyone to experience it.'
Laura Caner, Associate at B3 Designers