Ikoyi Restaurant
The Strand, London, UK
Interior Architecture
Ikoyi Restaurant’s new location at 180 The Strand presents a remarkable fusion of Brutalist architecture and a sensory-rich dining experience. The design aligns with the building’s distinctive character while capturing the intensity and boldness inherent in Ikoyi’s culinary offerings. With a focus on a minimalist material palette, incorporating oxidised copper, stone, stainless steel mesh, and natural leather, the space embodies both drama and tranquillity.
The space we have designed with David will allow us to fully express our interpretation of seasonality through bold heat and intensify the techniques we have worked on for the past five years.
Founders Jeremy Chan and Iré Hassan-Odukale
The interiors reflect a sense of place amid London’s vibrant multiculturalism, complementing the restaurant’s innovative British micro-seasonal cuisine. Each material, from the honed Gris Catalan limestone flooring to the warm oak furnishings, is carefully selected to evoke artisanal richness without unnecessary decoration. The entrance, with its copper-clad reception and illuminated refrigerators, instantly signals a dedication to authenticity. The design emphasizes contrasts warmth against cold, soft against hard and balances strong architectural lines with inviting curves, creating an immersive environment that feels both energizing and intimate.
For me, this is so much about sense of place because we are in a Brutalist building in the buzzy heart of London, a multi-cultural city, in a restaurant with a highly evolved cuisine based around British micro-seasonality and intense spices. This idea of intensity and warmth and a sort of cultural ambiguity have been the driving force of the inspiration
David Thulstrup
For the founders, chef Jeremy Chan and restaurant director Iré Hassan-Odukale, this new space marks a significant evolution in their culinary journey, enabling a bold exploration of seasonality and fiery flavors that reflects their five years of dedication to elevating dining experiences. The resulting atmosphere is one of tactile richness, inviting guests to not only savor exquisite dishes but also experience the intricate interplay of materials, ultimately defining Ikoyi’s essence in the heart of London.
