Fair challenge

A London-based hospitality firm were looking to create a new dining experience in Mayfair that would instantly become ‘the’ destination for a spot of late-night dining and mischief. Launching any new brand in the super competitive London dining market is tricky, but a Mayfair postcode brings more than a few extra creative speedbumps. Case in point, the proposed venue was a listed building in a conservation zone with restricted signage and a famously tricky council to please. But who doesn’t love a challenge, right?

3.MNKY HSE Logo

THE CAGE IS OPEN & THE MONKEYS ARE SET FREE TO GO WILD

6.MNKY HSE Logo

Breaking out the cage

The approach from day one was to create an experience that would become legendary. A bold ambition sure, but also essential to create real standout in the area. So out went the historical restaurant conventions and apologetic design cues, replaced instead with a spot of hedonistic chaos. And so the Monkey House was born… or rather the MNKY HSE.

This vowel-free styling of the name was the first indication that playfulness was the order of the day at this new dining spot. The unapologetically eccentric experience of MNKY HSE was further developed during a series of workshops with the client, which were supplemented with strategic global research and benchmarking from our team. One key inspiration that came from this was Miami’s booming ‘Vibe-Dine’ scene, which celebrates a culture of free-living, dining and partying.

7.MNKY HSE Menu
8.MNKY HSE Menu

Banishing bland

The second guests step inside MNKY HSE they’re welcomed into a velveted cloaked vestibule, which leads into a genteel clubby lounge with walls adorned with paintings that add a fun modern twist to the Old Masters. Girl with a Pearl AirPod anyone? The journey continues downstairs where the space opens up to a large restaurant with private dining undercrofts.

It’s at this point our affectionally termed ‘monkey party’ gets in full swing. Bold material choices are balanced by natural brick and concrete, while sculpted timber panelling and considered lighting creates a striking visual. The most Insta-worthy feature however is unquestionably the mirror-walled corridor with its infinity light system.

10.MNKY HSE Frames
11.MNKY HSE Interior
12.MNKY HSE Interior
13.MNKY HSE Entrance
14.MNKY HSE Interior

Precision playfulness

It’s rare for monkey business to be encouraged by clients, so our designers grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Our simian motifs feature throughout the venue, from lighting the way to the bathrooms and holding drinks at the table, to accompanying the bill at the end of the night.

It’s these playful touches coupled with our precision execution at every touchpoint that quickly turned MNKY HSE into Mayfair’s go-to destination for fine diners and party people alike. Hardly a surprise that the brand has since expanded as far as Doha and Riyadh, with more locations already planned.

Don't just take our word for it