Award-winning cake designer Peggy Porschen has just launched a new flagship Parlour at 219 King's Road in London's Chelsea, with a deliciously photogenic interior by Kinnersley Kent Design. Launching with the signature pastel-hued cakes and confectionery, as well as the new addition of simple savory offerings, the flagship Parlour will initially be open from 8am-8pm, seven days a week. The new Parlour will be able to accommodate a whole host of dining occasions, with plans to extend opening hours to 10 pm in the summer, and for customers to be able to further indulge from an extended 'all day dining' menu of savory breakfast, lunch and dinner options. The Chelsea location includes new features such as a reservation operated dining area, an events space, and a pink champagne bar.
The new Chelsea Parlour consists of two floors over 223 sqm (2,400 sq ft) in an attractive corner site which was formerly the Chelsea Quarter Café. The 'Peggy Porschen Home' that Kinnersley Kent Design has created captures the magic and charm of the original Belgravia Parlour while adding a range of inviting new spaces and experiences.
The concept features an evolved interior identity that stays true to the brand, embodying its pretty and feminine spirit through every touchpoint. The sophisticated color and material palette is a celebration of pastels, mixing soft green, pink and blue hues. Taking a hands-on approach, the designers' scope of work included planning, interior architecture and design, design detail, joinery design, prototyping and overseeing implementation. Several unique pieces were commissioned especially for the Parlour, including custom rose wallpaper from illustrator Kerrie Hess, whose designs have featured in Vogue, Tatler, and Harper's Bazaar.
"Peggy Porschen is an amazing brand, with a distinct identity and a loyal following," said Jill Higgins, Partner at Kinnersley Kent Design. "The design challenge was to encapsulate the brand's essence, evolving it for the new Parlour without diluting its personality. It was an absolute pleasure to work with Peggy and Bryn, Peggy's business partner and husband, to imagine what the new all-day concept could be. Whether it's a customer grabbing a coffee and an indulgent treat, or friends or families celebrating a special occasion, the Parlour creates a memorable experience for each customer."
Loosely based upon the idea of a 'Peggy Porschen Home,' each room offers customers a slightly different experience, with a change of pace and purpose. From the outset, the focus was on the culinary artistry, with food as the hero. In areas where Peggy Porschen goods are displayed, such as the patisserie counter, the design elements are understated and minimal. In other areas such as the seating zones, the design is more decorative with a playful mix of traditional details and modern references. This fine-tuned approach communicates Peggy Porschen's brand essence evenly and seamlessly throughout.
The concept features a rich palette of materials and patterns, with numerous bespoke and one-off pieces. The scheme is indulgent yet accessible, combining luxurious materials like Silestone's Calacutta marble, pastel pink terrazzo, blush antique mirror, brass detailing and a range of pastel-hued velvet upholstery with more domestic materials such as painted timber wall paneling and washed hexagonal timber flooring. Kinnersley Kent Design worked closely with the client to select tableware and glassware to complement both the food and the interiors.
Photography: Tom Bird