Independently owned and individually designed by artisans of food, drink and design, No 197 Chiswick Fire Station provides the perfect backdrop for relaxed all day eating and drinking
No 197 Chiswick Fire Station is the fourth location belonging to the independent bar group Darwin & Wallace, adding to the collection of three, beautiful neighbourhood bars located in London villages. Taking inspiration from its locality, No 197 Chiswick Fire Station has an open, naturally lit, stripped back utilitarian feel true to its heritage as a fire station with an injection of bespoke furnishings and artwork. Rich in independent spirit, this space has been transformed; a collaboration between the architects and designers Lou Davies of Box 9 and Lionel Real De Azua of Red Deer who have been working with founder Mel Mariott since 2013. Using a palette of soft pinks, chalky whites and pale greys, this space has been filled with bespoke furnishings creating a “more home than high-street” feel paired with quality food and drink that is a welcome addition to Chiswick’s leafy landscape.
Architect and designer Lou Davies of Box 9, took the lead on the design for some of the most prominent projects in the industry including Pizza East & Soho House Berlin and most recently the award-winning Riding House Café. Lionel of Red Deer previously collaborated with Lou on Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings and was behind Lûz, a 2014 Burning Man installation and the Peckham Refreshment Rooms.
The furnishings for No 197 Chiswick Fire Station have been meticulously sourced, including the traditionally made and upholstered sofas, terracotta tiles sourced by Bert and May, beautiful handmade chunky oak chairs and the popular cake tables as seen in sister locations, No 32 The Old Town and No 1 Duke Street. Original artwork has been handpicked in partnership once again with The Hang Up Gallery in Stoke Newington.
The biggest transformations is the previously forgotten courtyard space, which has burst back into life. Front to backlight has been created from a new opening punched into the rear garden wall leads to a stunning courtyard in which to enjoy food and drink.
Mel Marriott, Darwin & Wallace Managing Director comments, “We are incredibly excited to bring our modern vision of the local pub to the heart of Chiswick, one of my favourite London spots. Our ambitions at Darwin & Wallace are to work with the best artisans of design, food and drink and No 197 Chiswick Fire Station we feel is no exception. Located in one of London’s loveliest boroughs with the old fire station, the fourth addition to our group is rich in independent spirit and we cannot wait to welcome you through the doors.”
Darwin & Wallace was established in 2012 with a modern vision of the 21st Century Pub – local, independent, indicative of the local area, innovative in design, open all day and serving great food and drink. They’re funded by The Imbiba Partnership whose current projects include Camm and Hooper, Ruth & Robinson, Wright & Bell and Project Celsius.
The cocktail menu has a selection to suit any time of day focusing on classic serves injected with personality. The bar will feature spirit infusions, house made syrups and sherbets including Lavender Rob Roy and Tanqueray 10 Gimlet as well as a range of local craft and international beers and lagers, with a well-considered wine selection. No 197 Chiswick Fire Station offers fresh, convivial food served all day from organic eggs benedict to pan-fried seabass. Produce such as the breads and jam is sourced locally wherever possible and the menu is changed seasonally.
No 197 Chiswick Fire Station is now open with 50% off food until 1st May for those who book in advance. Evening reservations are fully booked and breakfast and lunch spots are still available.
No 197 Chiswick Fire Station – Where and how
197 Chiswick High Road, London W4 2DR
Web: www.no197chiswickfirestation.com/
Tel: 0203 857 4669
See more from No 197 Chiswick Fire Station in the gallery below