Former Notting Hill Bank Reimagined as Lebanese Brasserie Kinz

A grand former bank building in London’s Notting Hill has been given a new lease on life as Kinz, a sophisticated Lebanese brasserie. The establishment, located at 50 Notting Hill Gate, occupies a space previously known as a branch of Lloyds Bank, designed by Sir Edward Maufe. The transformation, spearheaded by London-based design studio Fare Inc, retains the building’s inherent architectural elegance while infusing it with warmth and a distinct Lebanese character.

New Culinary Oasis

Kinz, whose name translates to “treasure” in Arabic, aims to be an urban oasis, bringing a slice of Beirut to the heart of London. Founded by Rasha Khouri Bruzzo, who also co-owns the acclaimed Palestinian restaurant Akub, Kinz represents a fusion of authenticity and modernity. Bruzzo’s vision is rooted in the culinary traditions and intimate rituals of Lebanese home cooking. “Kinz takes its name from the Arabic word for ‘treasure’ and is our tribute to those treasures: cherished recipes, generous cooking, and the spirit of Lebanese food as it’s meant to be shared today,” Bruzzo explained. The restaurant is designed to be a versatile space, suitable for both quick visits and leisurely dining experiences.

Architectural Dialogue

The original structure, characterized by tall ceilings and exposed brick walls, possesses a restrained elegance that Maufe was known for in his 1930s designs. Fare Inc’s interior design approach respects this existing architecture, introducing pockets of warmth and colour to create a more inviting atmosphere within the expansive space. The entrance area features a striking bright teal, contrasted with neutral tones in the central dining space. An ochre-hued bar and a mezzanine level at the far end add further visual interest and glow.

“Refined zones are needed in such a large space to create a more inviting atmosphere, yet we still wanted to highlight the original architecture of the space with pared-back tones that complement it throughout the main room,” said Annabel Harrison, founder of Fare Inc. Above the main dining area, a large, wine-red lantern serves as a modern focal point, evoking the feel of an elegant terrace, complemented by striped banquette seating and iron dining chairs.

Intimate Spaces

A particularly intriguing conversion is the former bank vault, now transformed into an intimate wine room. Designed for security, the space has been softened through careful lighting and material choices to foster intimacy. “Lighting has been really important here, so there is pretty much no overhead lighting, only very low-lit wall lights and soft LED highlighting the wines. The walls and ceilings are drenched in Roman Plaster paint, which has softened the swathes of concrete and the steel beams,” Harrison noted. A single, glass-grape pendant light over a sharing table adds a playful touch.

Lebanese Influences in Design

The design narrative is deeply informed by the urban charm of Lebanon, particularly Beirut. Fare Inc drew inspiration from Lebanese metalwork to design iron screens that elegantly divide the retail and entrance areas from the main restaurant, and also extend up the staircase and along the mezzanine edge, creating a street-balcony aesthetic. These screens incorporate squares of colourful seeded glass, which add vibrancy and catch the light.

A Menu of Treasures

Kinz’s menu is a curated selection of Lebanese flavours, designed for sharing. Dishes are presented to encourage a communal dining experience, with plates arriving simultaneously. Recommended starters include hummus, meat kibbeh (bulgur shells filled with spiced lamb and beef, pine nuts, and onions), and spinach patayer. The salads, such as fattoush with pomegranate seeds and fresh mint, offer a refreshing counterpoint to savoury dishes. A standout, as noted, is the warak enab, featuring tender lamb cutlets served on a bed of stuffed vine leaves and courgettes. For dessert, the flourless chocolate cake is a decadent must-try. The restaurant’s dynamic atmosphere, fostered by the constant flow of dishes and attentive service, contributes to its identity as a welcoming local establishment.

Key facts

The redevelopment of the former bank into Kinz highlights a growing trend in urban design where historical structures are repurposed to serve contemporary needs, offering unique dining experiences that are enriched by their architectural context. For readers interested in architecture and urbanism, the project demonstrates a successful blend of preservation and adaptive reuse, creating a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and culturally significant.

Source: Wallpaper, https://www.wallpaper.com/travel/restaurants/kinz-london-review