Toklas Restaurant, United Kingdom
Where Mediterranean flavours meet art and history
Tucked between the Strand and the Thames in London, Toklas Restaurant offers a Mediterranean menu in a setting where art and history come together. Created by the founder of Frieze Magazine and Art Fair, the restaurant draws its inspiration from Alice B. Toklas, the American author known for her role in shaping modern art and cuisine.
Art playing a central role
Set in a striking Brutalist building, the restaurant welcomes guests via a lush plant-lined terrace with views of Victorian streetscapes, King’s College, and the Thames beyond. Inside, the raw concrete pillars and walls pay homage to the building’s architectural roots, softened by warm parquet floors and deep green leather banquettes. British designer Stafford Schmool has crafted an inviting, understated space that balances vintage details with contemporary elegance, including Børge Mogensen’s iconic J39 Chair.
Art plays a central role at Toklas, with thoughtfully chosen pieces enriching the atmosphere. Highlights include Wolfgang Tillmans’ 1993 photograph of tomatoes and aubergines by a pool—a perfect nod to the restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired menu, which celebrates the vibrant flavours of Italy, France, and Spain.
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Bringing a place to life
Harmonious interior design caters to a spectrum of human needs — from physical comfort to emotional and social fulfilment — creating environments that respect the varied ways people live, work, and connect. A balanced approach, integrating well-crafted furniture, transforms a space into an energising sanctuary, blending connection and solitude.
Uncover the stories behind these inspiring spaces — featuring insights from the architects and designers who bring them to life.
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