Mexico modern

David Collins, the late founder of his eponymous design studio, had a passion for creating joyous spaces in which to dine out. With his mark firmly felt at the Wolseley, Nobu, and the Blue Bar at The Berkeley, Collins’ influential spirit lives on through Ella Canta, The Intercontinental Hotel’s new culinary gem, designed by David Collins Studio creative director Simon Rawlings, in collaboration with firey chef du jour Martha Ortiz. Riding a Mexican wave in London established by the likes of El Pastor, Ortiz serves up a contemporary, theatrical menu – the Impressionist cocktail a must – staged with subtle design notes that refuse traditional Mexican tropes like ‘high contrast’ colours, says Ortiz. Sidestepping the stereotypical, the team were were keen to present a softer take on experiential dining, and design-highlights include the fine, hand-cracked egg-shell tabletopsand a bespoke, barely-there wooden screen that delineates the bar from the dining room. And it works. Ella Canta, which means ‘she sings’ in Mexican, softly hums The Girl from Iponema, rather than belting out La Bamba.

One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London,W1J 7QY; Tel: 44.20 7318 8715; www.ellacanta.com