UK studio A-nrd has once again collaborated with acclaimed chef Santiago Lastra, this time on his highly anticipated new venture, Fonda. Following their successful partnership on KOL, A-nrd has crafted a space that evokes the warmth and communal spirit of traditional Mexican family eateries, or “fondas,” while injecting a contemporary sensibility. This 450sqm restaurant in London’s bustling Heddon Street is more than just a dining destination; it’s a carefully curated journey into the heart of Mexican culture.
Drawing inspiration from a research trip spanning Mexico City, Oaxaca, and the Yucatan, A-nrd immersed themselves in the country’s vernacular architecture, street furniture, vintage finds, and diverse artifacts. This deep dive informed the concept for Fonda, taking cues from the “Casonas” – traditional Mexican farmhouses where the kitchen is the central hub of activity. The aim was to translate this homely, intimate atmosphere into a vibrant and visually rich environment.
Upon entering, guests are greeted by an amber-glazed Kansa glass enclosure, a transitional space that acts as a portal, separating the outside world from Fonda’s immersive experience. Inside, a warm yellow hue adorns the softly textured Bauwerk painted walls, complemented by a micro concrete floor. A bespoke welcome desk, crafted from rich cherry-stained oak and Alpi veneer, surrounded by lush planting, offers a tantalizing preview of the design narrative that unfolds within.
A-nrd cleverly zoned the expansive L-shaped space to provide distinct experiences. A custom oval oak table, stained black and inlaid with grey micro cement, forms a focal point, paired with bespoke accent chairs upholstered in a graphic blue weave from Tibor. Above, a large organic pendant light by Lucia Ocejo at Crownworks Pottery casts a warm glow. Glossy terracotta tiles from Solus, used across bespoke tables, reappear on the walls, harmonized with complementary shades of limewash. Wooden totem sculptures from M.A Estudio, part of a curated collection of Mexican art and craft, add layers of cultural storytelling.
The bespoke cocktail bar, with its soft pink limewashed façade, cherry-stained oak counter, and farmhouse detailing, provides a striking contrast against glossy cobalt blue tiles. An illuminated back bar, also in cobalt blue, is set against exposed brickwork and industrial steel columns, showcasing A-nrd’s commitment to preserving existing architectural features. Opposite the bar, an eight-seat booth upholstered in an apricot weave by Kirkby Design provides a comfortable and inviting space. A bespoke artwork by Mexican artist Fernando Laposse, “Of Bugs and Buds,” consisting of naturally dyed organza panels, adds a dynamic and ethereal element, shifting in tone with the interplay of light.
Natural light floods the rear of the space through a large skylight, illuminating a bespoke communal table and further accent chairs upholstered in recycled textured weave from Kirkby Design. Walls clad in rich burgundy tiles display more authentic arts and crafts, including pieces from Cooperativa 1050 and creations from Mexican artists Lørdag & Søndag. Laposse’s large pink sloth sculpture, “Wild Beast,” woven with agave fibre and natural dyes, marks the stairwell to the lower ground floor.
The open-air kitchen, complete with traditional “comals,” is the heart of Fonda. A-nrd prioritized visibility, ensuring every seat offers a view, creating a sense of connectivity and theatricality. The kitchen’s farmhouse-style façade, with neutral toned ceramic tiles applied in a raw and honest manner, mixes matte and gloss finishes alongside contrasting cobalt blue and tan tiles. This focal point embodies the warmth and comfort of traditional Mexican hospitality.
Downstairs, the colour palette of pink limewash and ochre micro concrete continues, with amber glazed walls and a niche featuring Balsa’s Monkey Chairs leading to a moody, monochromatic cocktail bar. A red travertine countertop and cherry pink tiled façade with recessed geometric shapes define the bar’s graphic design. Vintage wall lights and comfortable sofa seating upholstered in a Sumac bouclé from Yarn Collective create a cozy ambiance. The space is further enriched by arts and crafts from Cooperativa 1050, woollen wall hangings from M.A Estudio, and vintage painted wooden masks from Los Otros.
In Fonda, A-nrd has masterfully crafted a vibrant and authentic tribute to Mexico, a space that tells a story of material and colour, weaving together traditional elements with contemporary style. By utilizing a rich palette of earthy tones and bold hues, and incorporating diverse materials like pottery, textiles, and wood, A-nrd has drawn upon Mexican heritage and indigenous tradition to create a dining experience with a truly global sensibility.