In the carefully manicured landscape of London’s Sloane Square, the newly opened Martino’s attempts a difficult architectural feat: appearing as if it has always been there. Developed by restaurateur Martin Kuczmarski—the mind behind Mayfair’s The Dover—the space eschews the fleeting trends of modern hospitality in favor of a grounded, Milanese-inflected permanence. It is a room designed for the long arc of the day, transitioning from the sharp clarity of breakfast to the amber-lit intimacy of late-night service.
The interior, a collaboration with Milanese firm Studio Dragò, reflects a sophisticated material literacy. Lead designer Fanny Baeur Grung has assembled a palette that balances mid-century warmth with a rigorous geometric restraint. Glossy timber paneling is set against burgundy Venetian terrazzo floors, while black lacquered accents provide a structural frame that feels both historic and contemporary. The lighting—custom Murano glass lamps—serves as a soft, atmospheric glue, holding the various textures of the room in a quiet, flattering equilibrium.
At the center of the floor plan sits a sweeping, curved bar wrapped in dark timber and brass. This architectural anchor dictates the flow of the room, serving as a pivot point between the casual pace of a morning espresso and the more formal rituals of the dining room. Here, executive chef Valentino Pepe offers a confident interpretation of Italian classics, providing a culinary weight that matches the gravity of the surroundings.
Ultimately, Martino’s succeeds by understanding that true luxury in design is often found in what is withheld. By avoiding the over-embellishment typical of Chelsea’s high-end dining scene, Kuczmarski and Studio Dragò have created a space that feels magnetic precisely because it feels settled. It is a study in how thoughtful materiality can foster a sense of belonging in a city that is constantly in flux.
With reporting from The Cool Hunter.
Source · The Cool Hunter
