Step into a world where vintage charm meets culinary innovation.

Blending Diverse Inspirations for a Unique Ambiance

The acclaimed English interior design firm, North End Design, embarked on a creative journey to conceptualize the Motorino restaurant. Their vision was a harmonious fusion of distinct historical influences, ranging from the structured elegance of 1980s Japanese and American corporate environments to the distinctive styles of 1960s British automobile manufacturers and the warm, inviting atmosphere of wood-clad recording studios. This eclectic blend informed the entire design ethos of the London eatery, situated in the bustling Fitzrovia district, and notably incorporates an unconventional architectural feature that distinguishes it from other establishments.

The Evolution of a Culinary Vision: Motorino's Design Philosophy

Motorino represents the second collaboration between North End Design and renowned chef Stevie Parle, following their successful venture with the vivid Town restaurant in Covent Garden. Designer Samuel Hosker revealed that the design team revisited and expanded upon some of the visual research initially gathered for Town. This continuity in inspiration led to the creation of Motorino's distinctive character. Hosker highlighted the restaurant's superb sound system and an exclusive private dining area crafted to evoke the feeling of a recording studio, complete with plush carpeting and 1970s timber wall treatments, encapsulating a nostalgic yet refined atmosphere.

A Palette Inspired by British Automotive Heritage

Further elaborating on the design process, Hosker explained that the aesthetic cues for Motorino's interior were also heavily influenced by the vibrant world of 1960s British car companies. This automotive inspiration is evident in the restaurant's striking color scheme, which features bold accents of bright red, sunny yellow, and deep green. Upon entering the 150-seat establishment, guests are greeted by a sleek steel bar, illuminated by suspended steel fixtures. Deeper within, the space transitions to wood-paneled walls, complemented by bright yellow ceramic tiles, vibrant red doors, and a dramatically sculpted dark-green ceiling, all contributing to an immersive visual experience.

Transforming Space: From Cavernous to Cozy

Addressing the challenges of the previous restaurant's design, Hosker noted its shortcomings, describing it as overly bright, lacking intimacy, and suffering from poor acoustics and proportions. These deficiencies significantly guided the selection of Motorino's color scheme and overall design strategy. To foster a more intimate and acoustically pleasing environment, the design team opted to lower the ceiling and clad it with a dark forest green acoustic material. This thoughtful intervention not only improved the spatial proportions but also drastically enhanced the sound quality, making the once cavernous space feel much more welcoming and contained. The goal was to infuse the space with vibrant color accents, akin to Town, but with a richer, more subdued mood to perfect the ambiance.

A Glimpse into History: Motorino's Unique Chapel View

A truly distinctive feature of Motorino is an architectural opening that offers an unobstructed view into the historic Fitzrovia Chapel next door. This unconventional design element allows diners a unique perspective into the Byzantine-style sanctuary, though it can be discreetly closed off from the chapel side. Hosker recounted that this opening, previously concealed, was intentionally preserved after the design team recognized its inherent charm during the renovation phase. Initially contemplating the installation of glass accordion doors for screening and backlighting, they ultimately decided to retain the unadorned opening, valuing its quirky character and the unexpected connection it forged with its historical neighbor. It was a detail that simply felt right, transcending explicit design or conceptual objectives.

A Harmonious Material Palette: Bridging Sister Establishments

The interior of Motorino shares a similar material language with its sister restaurant, Town, employing a luxurious array of textures and finishes. These include the distinctive pyrolave, smooth lacquer paint, opulent heavy velvets, rich sumptuous leathers, characterful reclaimed flooring, and glossy ceramic tiles. This thoughtful selection of materials underscores the intention to create a familial connection between the two establishments, where Motorino stands as a sibling—sharing similarities yet possessing its own unique personality. This consistent yet varied approach to design is also evident in North End Design's earlier work on Lina Stores in South Kensington, famed for its signature pistachio-green interior, showcasing the studio's talent for creating memorable and distinct dining spaces.