The Greek Foundation
  • Architecture
  • Interiors
  • Design
  • Art
  • Fashion
  • Travel
  • Graphic Design
  • Gastronomy
  • Photography
  • Interviews
  • Visits
  • All Stories
  • Shop
  • About
  • Submit
  • Creatives
  • Stockists
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
The Greek Foundation
0 Shop
  • Gastronomy
  • Graphic Design
  • Interiors

SUVLAKI by AfroditiKrassa

Suvlaki is a restaurant that brings authentic, traditionally cooked Greek souvlaki – a time honored, everyday staple of the Greek diet – to the heart of London’s Soho. Designed by AfroditiKrassa, it features a category-defining interior and brand design that reinvents Greek food and restaurant design, stands out and creates presence in a very competitive and busy locale.

The design concept was largely inspired by Athens’ rich urban environment: the concrete mess of the architecture, the classical beauty of the marbles and the edgy youth and street culture all living side by side. AfroditiKrassa wanted to bring this to London, as a way to discover this unexplored city, which is both ancient and contemporary, raw, witty and idiosyncratic. It is in Athens where you would discover this fantastic hole-in-the-wall restaurants, where you can find an old man grilling the best souvlaki ever. This became the designers’ inspiration.

As far as the branding is concerned, under the concept of ‘Takeover’, AfroditiKrassa marries the old with the new, and the rough with the sleek, taking iconic Greek references and subverting them. Athens’ notorious, satirical street-art and graffiti has provided with the inspiration of the brand’s design in order to communicate the democratic and humble nature of the menu, as well as represent a real, contemporary and urban side of Greece that is somehow far removed from the touristic clichés of international Greek eateries.

The interior design is based on a very strict palette of blues; dozens of shades of blue have been used throughout the scheme in a myriad of rich textures, finishes and patterns. The result is dark and classic; resourceful and understated. The feature grill has been positioned prominently to the shopfront to create theatre and showcase the high quality of ingredients and specialist grilling. The studio’s AKollection Pentagon Pendant lamps create a warm and bold feature above the long line of tables placed centrally in this intimate space. The restaurant main wall is clad in vintage, fluted terazzo column sections. Weighting over 1.5 tonnes and having being salvaged from an old hotel, this unique element provides with a memorable and elegantly tactile touchpoint.

The interior design of Suvlaki is the result of an equal mix of intention, serendipity and re-use. AfroditiKrassa drew inspiration from Athens’ long and chequered past and referred to archetypical Greek symbols and icons that are recognizable the world over: the color blue, marble, street graffiti, old coffee shops, the unusual language, the sound of the Greek church. The designers tried to retain as much of the original elements of the space and left the walls unfinished, almost raw; they didn’t want it to feel too perfect.

At a very difficult time in Greece’s long history, this is a restaurant that stands out. Its unmistakable Greek identity is unapologetic and bold; Suvlaki confidently challenges the stereotypes and sets a new standard amongst the latest tide of Greek restaurants opening in London.

The tiny 35-seater restaurant is buzzing with energy and pace, show-off grilling and memorable features. Suvlaki proves that considerate spatial planning and design can achieve grand results; perhaps even that small is beautiful.

Related Stories
View Post
  • Graphic Design

AG Design Agency creates a “symphony” of musicians, moments, and emotions for the Athens State Orchestra 22-23 campaign

View Post
  • Interiors

Koukos de lab promotes a vision for a more authentic way of living in a new creative home in Lesvos

View Post
  • Architecture
  • Interiors

JC Architects balance contrasts at new urban hotel in Metaxourgeio, Athens

View Post
  • Interiors

Fluo architecture & design studio turns typical 70s apartment into modern living space in Pagrati, Athens

View Post
  • Interiors

SOUTH architecture designs penthouse in Kypseli, Athens, creating a continuous flow through spaces

View Post
  • Graphic Design

Boo Republic designs brand identity for 72H artisanal bakehouse in Thessaloniki, bridging technology and tradition

  • Shop
  • Stories
  • About
  • Submit
  • Creatives
  • Stockists
  • Contact
  • Terms

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT