Header: Enzo Cerri
Walking down London’s busy King’s Road, you might miss it. Where you’d expect a wide-open restaurant front, Ixchel presents a wall of floor-to-ceiling opaque cream curtains. This simple but bold choice creates an immediate sense of intrigue. It hides the interior from public view, making a quiet promise of a world separate from the city’s noise. The design offers a form of escape, a cocoon for diners to forget London and prepare for the experience waiting inside.
A journey to Tulum
Once past the curtains, guests are transported to a place inspired by the beauty of Tulum, Mexico. The project, brought to life by The Nanu Group in collaboration with the design firm Behind the Door, is a complete departure from its London surroundings. The entire space celebrates Mexican heritage, named for Ixchel, the ancient goddess of the moon and weaving. Lead designer Ellen Pryce and the team worked to ensure every part of the restaurant reflects this spirit, creating a space that feels like a discovery.
A foundation of texture
The restaurant is built within the shell of an old fuel station, and the designers at Nanu Group, who also served as the project’s architect, used the building’s existing brutalist beams as a powerful canvas. Instead of hiding this industrial past, they made it part of the story. The floors are a mix of poured concrete and rustic brick. Walls are covered in a warm terracotta plaster that adds a soft, earthy feel. Looking up, you see a complex ceiling grid made of bamboo, which adds to the feeling of being in a unique, handcrafted shelter. The construction, handled by True North, carefully assembled all these different textures.
Art and atmosphere
Art is central to the restaurant’s character. The walls display curated pieces that honor Mexico’s history, from Mayan symbols to modern artworks. A huge, colorful mural by artist Rafael Uriegas covers a significant wall space, its energetic patterns and deep colors giving life to the room. The space is filled with items that tell a story, like rustic sculptures, handwoven textiles, giant cacti, and antique icons. Each object was chosen to add to the authentic atmosphere.
The glow of a Mexican moon
The attention to detail continues into the lighting and smaller spaces. The “Moon bar” is a special feature, where hidden lighting designed by Hugo Light Design casts an ethereal glow over the room, recalling the restaurant’s namesake goddess. Even the bathrooms were carefully considered, featuring the same detailed terracotta plasterwork found in the main dining area. No matter how small, every element contributes to the overall narrative of a journey to another place.
This deep dive into Mexican culture through thoughtful design has earned official praise. The unique vision and meticulous execution by the entire team were recognized when Ixchel won a LIV Hospitality Award for Interior Design in Europe. The award confirms what diners already know: stepping behind those curtains on Kings Road is the start of an exceptional experience, where every detail is part of a story celebrating Mexican art and culture.
Project info
Company: The Nanu Group in Collaboration with Behind the Door
Lead Designer: Ellen Pryce
Other Designer(s): Behind The Door
Architect: Nanu Group
Interior Designer: The Nanu Group in Collaboration with Behind the Door
Construction Company: True North
Photo Credit: Enzo Cerri
Location: Kings Road, Chelsea London
Project Date: 14/11/23
