Following a delay in building works, Bandol – the new restaurant from husband and wife team Sylvia Kontek and Vittorio Monge* – will now open 13th October at 6 Hollywood Road, Chelsea. The new opening will bring Nicoise and Provencal sharing dishes to London with fresh, simple ingredients at the heart.
“I am always inspired by Southern France, the rolling landscapes, vibrant lavender fields, coastline and of course the Provencal cooking,” says co-founder, Sylvia. “I wanted to bring these beautiful French flavours to London and since opening Margaux in South Kensington it seemed only natural for our second restaurant to be nearby. I look forward to welcoming our guests and sharing good food, excellent wine and celebrating Bandol.”
Designed by Kinnersley Kent Design, Bandol draws upon Provence and the French Riviera. A long, copper-topped bar will stretch half the length of the space, atop hexagonal tiles in shades of white and grey.
The bar will be overhung with blue, golden and smoked glass pendants and punctuated with olive and clementine trees. There will be wooden bar stools; exposed beams, plaster and white washed brick walls and enormous Victorian windows will flood the room with light.
The bar will lead on to the restaurant, marked by a sky-blue linen curtain. A huge olive tree will stand in the centre, illuminated with lanterns and surrounded by zinc tables and white wishbone chairs with wooden rope seats. A verdant living wall will be the backdrop the restaurant, filled with ivy, ferns and vines. There will be two private dining rooms, adorned with copper ceilings, screened with copper mesh, and antique Champagne riddling racks.
* Owners of Margaux, located at 150-152 Old Brompton Road.
