Crispin at Studio Voltaire, in Clapham, is a feast for all the senses
New restaurant Crispin at Studio Voltaire is the latest opening from the brains behind Bistro Freddie and Bar Crispin, with interiors by Jermaine Gallacher
![crispin studio voltaire london](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sxPtpCx7LWTMEJhzc4L9J4-415-80.jpg)
Residents of Clapham rejoice: a chic new restaurant has opened in this London neighbourhood. Situated within the acclaimed arts organisation and gallery from which it takes its name, Crispin at Studio Voltaire is the latest venture from HAM Restaurants, the group behind some of the capital’s buzziest eateries: Bistro Freddie and Crispin in Shoreditch, and Bar Crispin in Soho. Like its siblings, Crispin at Studio Voltaire serves delectable seasonal plates in a design-led setting, but this establishment has an identity entirely of its own.
‘Studio Voltaire is not only a gallery, but it also has 61 artists with studios in the building,’ says Dominic Hamdy, founder of HAM Restaurants. ‘Crispin at Studio Voltaire is for the public but also for the artists and staff who work there. It’s a space in the context of a wider arts institution, and this adds richness, as well as diversity, to the project.’
Discover sleek interiors at Crispin at Studio Voltaire
The interiors are courtesy of Jermaine Gallacher, who also did the decor for Bistro Freddie and Bar Crispin. He describes Crispin at Studio Voltaire as ‘relatively minimal with some surprising moments of joy’ and took cues from dining spots designed by Terence Conran, such as Blueprint and Le Pont de la Tour. ‘I have always been a fan of those great early 1990s restaurants,’ he says. ‘They were the first inspirations to go on the pinboard.’
An exquisite palette of plush materials and elegant colours has been sympathetically chosen to harmonise with the rest of the gallery. For instance, ‘The signature Studio Voltaire blue, originally taken from a historic beam in the eaves of the building, has been mirrored by a blue Kvadrat curtain at the entrance of the restaurant,’ says Hamdy. Elsewhere, the brown hue of the Dzek Dzek tiles in the gorgeous Anthea Hamilton-designed garden has been echoed by a bespoke paint on the face of the bar, created by Francesca’s Paints.
That deep brown can also be noted on a second Kvadrat curtain, which runs the length of the room (10 metres) and acts as a retractable wall that can be opened during the day, and drawn in the evening. Other particularly pleasing details include custom-made metal candelabras by designer Barnaby Lewis, and a rubber vase designed by LS Gomma. But, for Gallacher, ‘The main event is Miranda Keyes’ mouth-blown glass pendants that hang above the bar and stainless-steel pass.’
All of this makes a divine backdrop to devour head chef Micheal Miles’ modern European fare. The hand-written, seasonal menu features perfectly prepared dishes such as Portland crab with radicchio and fennel, homemade tagliolini with nettle and egg yolk, and cod with velouté and monk’s beard. The small but mighty wine list, curated by sommelier Alexandra Price, focuses on six producers, ‘shining a spotlight on the winemakers themselves,’ says Hamdy.
Perhaps most importantly, there is also an affordable daily artists’ menu for £7, and the space also will play host to a series of community drinks, which allows, as Hamdy adds, ‘the Crispin team, the Studio Voltaire staff and the artists to break bread together.’
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
Crispin at Studio Voltaire is located at 1a Nelsons Row, London
Billie Brand is a London-based writer and editor. She has previously held positions at The Modern House, Matches, The Guardian and Observer, and contributed to titles including World of Interiors, i-D and The Face. Her work has a particular focus on beautifully designed and innovative spaces and places – and the forward-thinking people behind them.
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
The Mercury Prize nominees for 2024 have been revealed
Charli XCX, The Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons are amongst this year's nominees
By Charlotte Gunn Published
-
Cabaret, martinis and Yorkshire puddings: The Cockatoo by Bistrotheque has it all
The Cockatoo, a bar, restaurant and performance space designed by Nice Projects, adds spice and rhythm to storied east London venue Bistrotheque
By Daven Wu Published
-
Tollington’s is the new Spanish-inspired fish bar making a splash in north London
Tollington’s in Finsbury Park is a new opening from the team behind The Plimpsoll, championing Spanish-style dining and interiors
By Billie Brand Published
-
The Orangery at Kensington Palace offers high tea and verdant vistas in a royal London setting
The Orangery at Kensington Palace Gardens is the perfect green setting for a sunny day treat of afternoon tea and more
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Meet Paradise 2.0: the beloved Soho-based Sri Lankan restaurant, reinvented
Paradise 2.0 embraces tropical brutalism following a renovation by Dan Preston Studio
By Billie Brand Published
-
Step inside the majestic Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
In matching its exclusive and central location, a sleek building by RSHP houses the new ultra-refined Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
By Lauren Ho Published
-
Soak up London’s sunshine at these stylish rooftop bars
Discover the best London rooftop bars, from the Middle Eastern-themed Yasmin Soho to Spanish tapas haven, Amano Rooftop Bar
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Celebrate summer in Ladbroke Hall’s new garden dining space
The London arts space introduces an al fresco oasis boasting a landscape design by Luciano Giubbilei and a pavilion by Jean Prouvé
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Grand Hotel Bellevue London is a perfect home away from home
Fabrizio Casiraghi-designed interiors bring flair to a historic Victorian Townhouse
By Sofia de la Cruz Published