Sun-Kissed

Studio Wyze's scheme for Fenix captures the warmth of Greek island life, and the sophistication of Mayfair, through tactile materials, considered lighting and a touch of theatre

Anyone who has experienced Greek hospitality knows how warm it is, whether you’re at a beachside fish taverna or a chic contemporary spot in Athens. When Chris Sayce and Christina Arbenz of Studio Wyze were tasked with designing Fenix, a new Greek restaurant in Mayfair, they knew they had to channel some of that atmosphere.

“Our aim was to bring the spirit of a Greek island gathering to London – effortless, warm and convivial – while respecting the sophistication of its setting,” says Arbenz. “The result is a relaxed, at-ease dining atmosphere that complements Mayfair’s sense of luxury, retaining an elevated experience while remaining welcoming and approachable.”

The choice of materials was a key part of creating that experience. Studio Wyze specified natural, tactile and airy materials, with exposed timber ceiling beams, rope-wrapped pillars, pierced breezeblocks (sourced from Greece) and a cobblestone-inspired custom terrazzo floor. The plaster finish on the walls, meanwhile, is intended to evoke the rough, undulating texture of the walls of a Mykonian villa.

That tactility extends to the soft furnishings too, with chunky woven textiles taking the lead. Bar stools are upholstered in Clarke & Clarke’s ‘Sven’ fabric in charcoal, while in the restaurant, the banquettes feature Zinc Textile’s ‘Clayton’ fabric, with its striped blocks of textured, bouclé and multi-tonal yarns.

"Our aim was to bring the spirit of a Greek island gathering to London – effortless, warm and convivial – while respecting the setting"

‘Groix’ fabric has been used on one of the dining chairs, part of Pierre Frey’s Natecru collection for inside or out, offering the perfect robustness and durability for a busy restaurant. The banquettes are scattered with cushions in Larsen’s ‘Reyes’ fabric, trimmed with ‘Plain Mat’ moss fringe by Houlès – the choice of a matt version of a type of fringing more usually associated with opulent, silky materials beautifully sums up how Fenix speaks the language of luxury in a more pared-down way.

Welcoming during the day, the restaurant nonetheless transforms at night, positively glowing with warmth. Studio Wyze worked with specialist consultancy Into Lighting on this aspect of the project, and Arbenz says that the lighting is “the key driver of the mood. It transitions throughout the day, mirroring the natural rhythm of the sun –bright and airy during daylight hours, gradually warming and dimming as evening approaches – shaping the restaurant’s mood and enhancing the dining experience.” Rough-textured archways come to life when washed with light, while the backlit walls of pierced bricks are particularly atmospheric.

The sculptural plaster archways that Studio Wyze has introduced define the interior, drawing visitors through the bar and dining room – meaning that spaces feel interconnected rather than closed-off and separate. These sightlines are not arbitrary but help to support key pillars of the brand’s identity, which Arbenz says are “two signature moments of theatre: the central robata grill and the expertly crafted cocktails. Coordinating these elements was essential – not just to give guests an unobstructed view of the spectacle of open-fire cooking and cocktail making, but also to create a working environment where staff could deliver their craft with ease.” Seating is arranged so that guests can enjoy everything that’s going on, with materials carried through from the front-of-house area for continuity, making diners feel part of the action.

Images: Edmon Leong