A-nrd Studio transform an old London coach house into a modern, homely warehouse eatery for new Southern Thai restaurant Kolae

Translating elements of Thai culture into a contemporary design language, award-winning London-based design practice A-nrd Studio have created an interior concept for new Southern Thai bar and grill Kolae that features a material and colour palette which captures the aesthetic of South-eastern Asian architecture.

Located in a repurposed old London coach house in Borough Market, the warehouse style 350 sqm 80 cover restaurant is set across three floors and includes an intimate courtyard dining area at the front of the restaurant and a private dining room located on the top floor.

Named after an open-flame style of cooking, the design for the new opening from Mark Dobbie and Andy Oliver of Som Saa draws inspiration from details found in the charm of Old Town Bangkok with A-nrd Studio translating and juxtaposing stylistic elements such as decorative timber framework, textured glass, stone, natural textiles, ceramics, and leather.

Upon entering Kolae, a cement floor, exposed brickwork and limewashed plaster walls in warm tones creates a blank canvas for the sophisticated decor and furniture all designed by A-nrd Studio. A humble and homely, welcoming environment, the space features a custom open-kitchen counter and cocktail bar with the buzz of the grill adding an element of restaurant theatre for diners.

Crafted from textured clay plaster with a dark oak countertop, it features a stylised ‘stilted’ skirted base which takes its cues from the traditional stilt house culture seen across North-western Thai architecture. A common thread which ties the plan together, this design device is used subtly across the base of all A-nrd Studio’s bespoke furniture for Kolae.

Known for their highly crafted approach to bespoke furniture, the seating designed by the studio at Kolae is a mix of bar stools composed of simple geometric forms, booth seating with warm, light brown heritage leather upholstery and travertine inlaid tables that seat groups of 4 and café tables of 2 which line the wall opposite the bar and grill.

A minimalist back bar designed by the studio features bespoke shelving which dance across the wall decorated with authentic Thai ceramics and greenery. The oak used to craft all the custom furniture and fixtures at Kolae is hand-planed, a traditional technique chosen by A-nrd to add texture and character to the wood, with the studio working closely with skilled joiners in the north of England to achieve the desired look.

A bespoke panel of irregular handmade ceramic tiles form a marbled quartz effect pattern in amber and blue tones and breaks the large expanse of brickwork to create a feature wall. A collaboration between A-nrd and Thai ceramists Lamunlamai studio, the clay used is mixed with food waste to create a new and more sustainable type of decorative tile. Lighting on the ground floor takes the form of handmade abaca pendant and wall lights, modern architectural spots and concealed up lights that wash walls with ambience.

On the first floor, the connecting stairwell continues to draw from Thai architecture with an enclosed dark oak frame encasing a patchwork of seeded glass panes. Here traditional bamboo blinds hang.

A continued use of materials and finishes such as limewashed plaster, exposed brickwork, graphic spotlights, and abaca pendant lights create a cohesion between levels. The building’s original floorboards add to a warehouse feel and on this first floor, seating is comprised of bespoke booths and benches in dark oak and leather and sculptural walnut dining chairs. A large group table is tucked away in an intimate niche and offers a semi-private sanctuary. An abundance of lush green plants acts as decoration and space dividers.

On the second floor of Kolae A-nrd Studio have created a convivial and relaxed loft for private dining. A pitched limewashed roof features exposed timber beams from which more oversized traditional abaca lanterns hang. Here, the earthy tones and materials utilised by the studio across Kolae come together.

Custom inlaid travertine tables designed by A-nrd can be joined to seat larger parties of up to 16 or separated into tables of 4 and are paired with curved wooden armchairs.

Deliberately minimalist with a modern, earthy, and honest textural feel and warmth, Kolae’s interior exudes authenticity and showcases A-nrd Studio’s fresh, contemporary approach to design and customer experience.

On the design of Kolae A-nrd Studio founder Alessio Nardi comments: “We’re really pleased with the design of Kolae. It’s always a challenge when a restaurant crosses multiple levels but there is a real cohesion across the space. Whether you’re perched at the bar or sat on the top floor in the loft, Kolae feels convivial, buzzy, welcoming, and authentically designed and we hope that diners feel truly transported when they step inside.”

ABOUT A-NRD

A-nrd Studio is an award-winning London-based practice specialising in transportive and immersive interior design. Founded by Alessio Nardi in 2015, together with creative partner Lukas Persakovas, the talented duo brings together a breadth of expertise in international interior and furniture design having worked with the likes of Lee Broom and Tord Boontje and on projects for Galleries Lafayette and Bloomingdales.

With a passionate hands-on approach and an original, experiential, and considered style, A-nrd studio has gained a reputation for creating imaginative spaces that feel intimate and familiar.

With a list of acclaimed design projects in the UK and internationally including Birch (Selsdon), Kol, Darjeeling Express, Milk Beach Soho, Casa do Frango and Kudu; each concept demonstrates the studio’s refined understanding of materiality, design languages and contemporary art and crafts with projects also including bespoke furniture and lighting designed in-house.

A-nrd studio is continuously evolving and innovating their brand DNA which is defined by authenticity, conceptual associations, subtle references, and reinterpretations, bringing a unique angle to every project, and celebrating client individuality.

Sustainably minded, the studio’s approach is to reduce the impact of each refurbishment by re-imagining and valorising existing features, utilising eco-friendly materials, and repurposing vintage design alongside championing skilled artisans, craftspeople, and contemporary artists.

For more information and project portfolio please visit their website:

@a_nrdstudio | a-nrd.com

Photo credit: Eleonora Boscarelli