Hospitality
Legado, Shoreditch
Legado
by Chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho
The restaurant is about a menu crafted by and representative of the life and career of Chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho. The food is her "legacy" and the restaurant is designed to reflect that. The inspiration therefore comes from Nieves herself and her life both in Spain and in London.
Different areas of Spain, all of which have been a part of Nieves' life, are represented throughout the different areas of the restaurant. From Andalusia to Valencia, Catalonia to Castile y Leon and the Basque Country. It is a contemporary reinterpretation of this "Legacy".
The counter space surrounds a theatre kitchen with a focus on two large, traditional Spanish wood fired ovens. These are authentically Spanish, built by hand, in situ by Spanish craftsmen and are typical of Segovia in Castilla y Leon. These ovens cook Codero Asado (Roast Lamb) and Cochinillo Asado (Roast Suckling Pig) and form the main feature of not only the menu but the restaurant as a whole. The ovens and the fires within are visible throughout the dining spaces of the restaurant. The backdrop to the kitchen is a delicate sage green pattern tiled wall - a contemporary interpretation of the classic Southern Spanish patterned tile. Guests are seated at a natural wooden counter which softens the space, represents the adjacent wood fires and provides the perfect backdrop for the incredible food.
Guests arrive in the restaurant in a vibrant "taberna", based on a traditional Spanish bar, and set below a fluted arched ceiling reminiscent of the traditional construction methods found in Barcelona. The arched ceiling works to highlight the bar and deli at one end of the space and the walled fish display at the other. This first impression for the guest has been carefully crafted - alongside the atmosphere of the "taberna" they also have an unobstructed view of the counter, the kitchen and the feature ovens, giving them a taste of the experience that awaits.
The main dining space is double height, flooded with natural light and surrounded by existing walls formed in London Stock brick. It is divided with fixed seating into smaller dining areas to enable an intimate experience whilst still being part of the overall atmosphere. The end wall features a double height wine display which showcases the incredible wine on offer. At high level the plastered walls feature a contemporary interpretation of the traditional plaster work found in Segovia. There is a balcony overlooking the dining space which is formed in steel and features patterns and metalwork reminiscent of those found in Bilbao.
The design is inspired by Spain but belongs in London. It is a contemporary interpretation of traditional Spanish elements set within a uniquely “London” location. It is about brilliant, authentic food within a setting that belongs to Nieves and her legacy - it is Legado.
Photography by Billy Bolton
