James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent timber, panels and décors distributors, recently supplied a variety of materials to the fit out of Morchella, one of the hottest new additions to the London restaurant scene.

Located in a beautifully restored former bank near Exmouth Market, Morchella is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and wine bar, offering one of the capital’s chicest dining experiences.

Perfectly combining historic and contemporary features it achieves a welcoming atmosphere, where the warmth of natural timber contrasts with the latest in solid surface technology.

It’s a project that not only exhibits the very best in modern hospitality design but also serves as a great showcase of both the range and the breadth of James Latham’s products and the ingenious ways in which they can be fabricated to achieve design perfection.

Crafting the vision

The secret of a great dining experience is the setting as much as the food and the service. To enhance Morchella’s interiors, the owners commissioned specialist fabricator Parker & Co Design & Build to help bring their ambitious multi-sensory vision to life.

In this busy restaurant, Parker & Co knew the choice of finishes was pivotal. They selected durable, easy-to-clean materials that could both withstand continuous use and pack a visual punch.

Creative Director Tim Parker chose James Latham’s HIMACS specifically for its ultra-hygienic properties and workability alongside a range of oak hardwood products, for their versatility and durability.

Pushing the boundaries

Showing how easy it is to push the creative boundaries with HIMACS, the material, was chosen for a highly original and unusual flourish, set to get diners’ tongues wagging.

Morchella’s tables feature 86 unique, hidden drawers with cutlery inserts sculpted from HIMACS. To achieve this, Parker & Co laminated 12mm Terrazzo Classico on top of 20mm Alpine White to create a 32mm block before carving out spaces for the cutlery.

This experimental approach produced a distinctive design that exceeded the fabricator’s expectations.

Ensuring thematic continuity was crucial, so seven sheets of Terrazzo Classico were used for four round dining tables and three large waiters’ station worktops, adding elegance. For tonal contrast, three sheets of muted HIMACS Maui were used for three different waiters’ stations, further enhancing the visual interest of the interiors.

Natural elements

Achieving an attractive organic quality to complement the HIMACS, solid and veneered oak as well as maple was specified liberally throughout Morchella.

The cabinetry, tables, and bar tops feature rich, honeyed hardwood tones, contributing to the overall ambiance of the restaurant.

Solid oak provided a sturdy and timeless foundation, while the veneered oak offered a refined finish, maintaining the wood’s natural beauty and supporting the Mediterranean theme. Maple, known for its durability and smooth finish, contributed an extra layer of style and sophistication, without compromising on required performance.

Ultimately, the interplay between the natural timber and HIMACS showcases how modern and traditional can merge for truly striking results. 

Commenting on the project and material use, Tim Parker, Creative Director at Parker & Co Design & Build, says, “We strive to create spaces that not only impress visually but also function seamlessly for our clients and end-users. It was a joy to work with James Latham throughout this process. Their consultancy was invaluable, especially in the ingenuity needed to work with HIMACS in a new way. Such a great material that allowed us, through creative solutions, to produce something truly unique. Not only that, the quality and finish of its sustainably-sourced hardwoods and veneers are second to none. When you see the finished space and the seamless dialogue achieved between these materials, I think the results speak for themselves.”

To find out more about James Latham and its collection of HIMACS solid surfaces click here.

To find out more about James Latham and its extensive collection of Timber & Decorative Panel products, click here.

To find out more about Parker & Co Design & Build, click here.