Chef Santiago Lastra’s new Mexican restaurant, Fonda, brings the warmth and vibrancy of a Mexican home to the heart of Mayfair.

Fonda takes its name from the informal, small, family-run restaurants found throughout Mexico, known for serving simple, unpretentious, and affordable local dishes. The celebrated chef enlisted A-nrd Studio to design Fonda’s interiors, building on their previous collaboration at his debut restaurant, KOL, with a strong emphasis on craft.

Taking inspiration from an earlier road trip through Mexico City, Oaxaca, and the Yucatán to shape the 450-square-metre interior, A-nrd distilled the experience into a design concept favouring rustic textures, honest materials and vibrant hues of pink, orange, blue, and green.

An amber-toned Kansa glass entrance transports guests into the dining room, where soft yellow walls continue the vibrant colour scheme. Micro-concrete floors evoke textures found in Mexico City, and handcrafted furniture, including a cherry-stained oak desk and an oval window table made from white oak stained black and inlaid with micro-cement, add to the crafted feel. Chairs are upholstered in a bold, graphic blue weave by Tibor.

Earthy terracotta tiles—a staple in many Mexican homes—are used here as a colourful accent on tables and limewashed walls. Glossy azure-glazed tiles skirt the bar and shelving, offering a vivid contrast to soft pink-washed walls and pastel-hued upholstery.

Artworks include wooden totems by M.A. Estudio, objects by Lørdag & Søndag, and translucent organza wall hangings dyed naturally by Mexican artist Fernando Paloss. His work also includes a large pink sloth made from agave fibres dyed with traditional Oaxacan techniques, which hangs from the stairwell ceiling.

In Mexican farmhouses, the kitchen is the centre of activity, and the same holds true at Fonda. Situated on the left side of the main space, the open kitchen ensures that every table enjoys a view of the culinary action, enhancing the connection to the food. Terracotta tiles and traditional clay comals create a focal point.

Chef Lastra’s menu focuses on modern Mexican cuisine, featuring tacos, tostadas, ceviche, crudo, and quesadillas.

www.fondalondon.com

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