The tiny southwest London enclave of Balham has just been injected with a shot of Latin magic with the arrival of Piraña, a bold new bar and restaurant with a South American flavour. Amongst the genteel family-friendly cafes and restaurants of Bedford Hill enters a cacophony of colour, conceptualised by brothers Alastair and Nicholas Heathcote and designed by Sella Concept.
Every corner of the space is touched by a bold, retro theme courtesy of Sella Concept co-founders Tatjana von Stein and Gayle Noonan, who have created a series of subtly different moods for the multifaceted outlet, which includes a chef’s table, bar, banquettes and a secluded nook featuring a private bar hatch. Bypassing obvious visual references to South America in favour of a focus on a rich and sensory palette and materials, Piraña’s design narrative is playful and adventurous. Here, timber panelled walls and bespoke jade terrazzo flooring reign supreme amongst deep red framework and upholstery, and custom furniture in a measured departure from Sella Concept’s usual penchant for pastels.
It all amounts to a striking venue, which, despite its compact size, is peppered with subdivided areas, each with a personality its own. Ideal then, for Piraña’s dual functionality as a restaurant and bar, which sees tacos, ceviches and empanadas sent out at the same time as creative cocktails like ‘An Englishman in Chile’, a concoction of gin, smoked lavender and Abba Pisco.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
76 Bedford Hill
-
‘A beginning is a dialogue’: Simone Bellotti reveals a first glimpse of his vision for Jil Sander with an EP and music videoTitled ‘Wanderlust’, the music video and EP is a collaboration with Bochum Welt, signalling an esoteric start to Simone Bellotti’s tenure at the house before his runway debut later this year
-
Interni Venosta’s vases are made from laundry detergent bottlesBritt Moran and Emiliano Salci of Dimorestudio have conceived a series of expressive vases whose starting point is a humble plastic bottle
-
How an icon of Japanese Metabolist architecture took on a life of its own – even after its destructionWhen Kishō Kurokawa designed the modular Nakagin Capsule Tower more than 50 years ago, he imagined it boarding ships and travelling the world. Now it has, thanks to a new show at MoMA
-
Industrial chic meets Thai heat at the new incarnation of a beloved London restaurantSingburi 2.0 brings all the hot and sour thrills of the original haunt in cool Shoreditch surrounds
-
Here’s how Heathrow is reimagining airport chaos as ambient musicGrammy-nominated Jordan Rakei turns travel noise into a meditative soundtrack by sampling everything from baggage belts to jet engines
-
Is this London’s slickest burger joint?Already proven in Paris, Dumbo’s smash-hit formula of precision, confidence, and simplicity arrives in Shoreditch – and yes, it’s worth the wait
-
Canal is a new west London restaurant with a suntrap terraceAt Canal, the new restaurant at Mason & Fifth’s Westbourne Park hotel, expect modern European breakfast, lunch and dinner from the team behind Crispin and Bistro Freddie
-
This hidden London culinary haven is a refreshing take on the steakhouseMr Porter, a new steakhouse, bar and lounge in central London's swish Mayfair, is a hidden haven of strong flavours and minimalist dining
-
A European-style café opens next to London’s Saatchi GalleryDesigned by Dion & Arles, Cafe Linea serves fresh pâtisseries, global dishes and sparkling wines in a stunning Grade II-listed setting
-
Ready to unplug? Sign up for this digital detox retreat in CornwallOffline escape provider Unplugged has partnered with Cabilla Cornwall to offer a phone-free, nature-immersive group experience on Bodmin Moor
-
Anya Hindmarch’s Ice Cream Project is London’s tastiest (and weirdest) summer traditionThe cult pop-up has returned, transforming a Belgravia corner into a sleek, steel-clad shrine to British pantry nostalgia
