Fettle designs new Cicchetti in the heart of London’s Piccadilly

Fettle’s design draws inspiration from the architecture of Venice and the work of some of its most esteemed residents, capturing the iconic timelessness synonymous with the region. The new restaurant specifically references a Venetian sunset and the magic of dusk along the waterways within the material palette and detailing reminiscent of Venice’s water taxis.

Image credit: Fettle

The impressive, long stretching bar immediately creates a theatrical atmosphere, featuring a bevelled mirror ceiling coffer and a curved back bar. The bar features a high gloss warm timber front, with a playful twist of red and pink mosaic tiles in the profile, complementing the bespoke bar stools upholstered in a geometric pink fabric.

In the main dining room, the warm yellow toned walls continue, paying homage to the subtle frescos of Venetian villas. Fettle have modernised the look and feel of the restaurant through colour blocking and introduced details including scalloped borders and chequered patterns. The studio has also framed the walls in painted timber panelling to establish a rhythm that evokes the restaurant’s classical roots.

Image credit: Fettle

Fettle have incorporated sections of bevelled mirror to bounce light from the array of chandeliers that adorn the restaurant space. Intervals of large colourful verre eglomise murals frame the walls with a mix of bespoke upholstered chairs and banquette seating in green and pink shades.

Moving downstairs to the Private Dining Room, the elegant space is softened by an inset bespoke rug that mirrors the tones of the hand painted sky mural on the ceiling above. The room features bespoke wine display cabinets and a range of eclectic artwork on mirror panelled walls.

Image credit: Fettle

The flooring throughout Cicchetti employs a myriad of terrazzo finishes ranging from a chequerboard pattern in the restaurant, striped scalloped detailing in the bar and marble palladiana in the washrooms.

The lighting celebrates the traditional craftsmanship of Italy. The space is lit by an array of Murano chandeliers that scatter a palatial glow across the dining room below. The studio has offset the traditional ceiling fixtures with contemporary dome shaped wall lights, each with a delicately striped off-white glass shade. These fixtures are mounted on mirrors giving them a weightless aesthetic. The final layer is seen through soft fabric shades on table lights and pendants which references back to the comfort and familiarity of neighbourhood dining.

Image credit: Fettle

Andy Goodwin, Co-Founder & Creative Director of Fettle comments, “We have carefully harmonised the legacy of the San Carlo brand with the contemporary aesthetic the group is taking. The overall scheme feels elevated but still captures the welcoming and playful nature of a neighbourhood Italian restaurant.”

Main image credit: Fettle