PROJECTS & COLLABORATIONS → THE CARDINAL

The Cardinal

By Atelier Wren

DATE

2024

LOCATION

Aldgate, London

Discover the furniture we provided for The Cardinal Bar and Kitchen

The Cardinal Bar and Kitchen located in Hotel Saint has recently opened its doors to London tourists and Aldgate patrons alike, unveiling a gorgeous interior and a delicious menu. Designed by Atelier Wren, the fine dining restaurant has everything you need, whether it’s a casual brunch, an evening of drinks, or a celebratory gathering in the heart of London’s bustling city centre.

The Restaurant

Based on the ground floor of Hotel Saint, the Cardinal prides itself on delivering delicious food, warm hospitality and a convivial space. The interior is lively yet laid-back. Bursts of green and yellow upholstery pop against warm wood tones and shiny caramel coloured tops. Every interior designed by Atelier Wren is carefully considered from the first impression upon stepping into the room to the smallest detail and positioning of each plug socket. The Cardinal is no different. With an interior welcoming to both weary travellers and London’s foodies, the restaurant is a refreshing addition to the Aldgate neighbourhood. 

The Cardinal Ethos 'Great drinks, delicious food, warm hospitality and a convivial space, all without pretense.’ has been the transposed into the interior design as warm and welcoming space which oozes effortless charm.

The Furniture

Kirkdale supplied bespoke and standard chairs, tables, barstools and exterior furniture that furnished the Cardinal. Every item has been manufactured, upholstered and finished by our trusted factories in the UK and Europe for quality and longevity.

Kirkdale Studios, Cardinal Place, Hotel saint, London, Restaurant, Contract Furniture, Bespoke Seating, Italian design, marble tables, bar design, 50s barstools, classic barstool design
Kirkdale Studios, Cardinal Place, Hotel saint, London, Restaurant, Contract Furniture, Bespoke Seating, Italian design, marble tables, bar design, 50s barstools, classic barstool design

The seating

Lining the gorgeous tiled bar and counters are our bespoke Ikon Stools, a contemporary take on the mid-century style and inspired by a vintage Pieff Stool.  Designed to two different heights, the bar and counter stools have been upholstered in a soft moss green and rust red fabrics that perfectly complement the restaurant’s colour palette. The plush cylindrical backrest and seat cushion provides unmatched support and comfort; the bent tubular frame intersects the backrest and conforms to the seat base helping create a visually intriguing stool. Meticulously crafted in the UK and built to endure the bustling environment of the busy eatery through the use of high-end materials and a deep-rooted understanding of contract furniture needs.  

Kirkdale ikon barstool, contract chair, barstool, Metal, indoor furniture for bar, restaurants, hotels, contract furniture, upholstered furniture, upholstered metal chair
Kirkdale Studios, Cardinal Place, Hotel saint, London, Restaurant, Contract Furniture, Bespoke Seating, Italian design, marble tables, bar design
Kirkdale Studios, Cardinal Place, Hotel saint, London, Restaurant, Contract Furniture, Bespoke Seating, Italian design, marble tables, bar design

The cosy interior also features the Eileen Side Chair; its plush, curved upholstered backrest and seat helps enhance and elevate the diner’s comfort and dining experience and provides another pop of colour. The upholstered cushions are supported by a refined, minimalist and durable timber frame stained black in order to highlight the beauty of the upholstery.   

The Fabrics

The carefully selected, beautiful fabrics used to upholster the Ikon Stools and Eileen Side Chairs was supplied by Sekers    Sekers Fabrics

Kirkdale Studios, Cardinal Place, Hotel Saint, London, Restaurant, Contract Furniture, Bespoke Seating, Italian design, marble tables, fixed seating, the cardinal restaurant furniture
Restaurant Furniture, Contract Furniture, Hotel Saint, Bar Furniture, The Cardinal restaurant furniture

The Tables

The striking caramel coloured marble effect resin tabletops with oak hardwood edging have been specifically selected to provide outstanding beauty as well as offering increased durability over traditional stone due to its non-porous, stain resistant surface allowing for easier cleaning and lifelong good looks. These resin table tops were made to order allowing for customisation of colours, sizes and shapes with the largest of the tops being 3.3 metres long. You can learn more about the use of alternative marble in our suppliers’ guides. 

Open all day, the Cardinal required flexible dining options to account for larger parties or events. The long banquette style dining table can be separated for movement around the room and allowing for new space configurations. We also supplied butterfly extension tables for the banquette seating which allow for more table room when large parties are dining.

Kirkdale Studios, Cardinal Place, Hotel saint, London, Restaurant, Contract Furniture, Bespoke Seating, Italian design, marble tables, bar design
Kirkdale Studios, Cardinal Place, Hotel saint, London, Restaurant, Contract Furniture, Bespoke Seating, Italian design, marble tables, bar design

The Outdoor Furniture

The Cardinal’s exterior terrace runs alongside the restaurant and is framed with vibrant vegetation. When the sun is shining, the terrace is a beautiful spot for pre dinner drinks overlooking the bustling Aldgate. It was important to supply outdoor furniture with character while remaining comfortable for guests and resilient to the elements. The curved white frame of the Bali armchair is interwoven with champagne rope and matching cushions to provide unparalleled comfort for when dining al fresco or a photo worthy cocktail in the sun. The Bali has been designed to withstand the elements and ensures longevity of its looks throughout its lifetime making it perfect for the sophisticated outdoor space of the Cardinal restaurant.. This has been paired with the same caramel marble effect table tops as the interior to provide continuity between the two elegant spaces and boasts great weather resistance. The Classic Parasols in the bright Cardinal red line the terrace offering sun and rain protection for guests.

Once again the team at Atelier Wren have considered and perfected every detail of this restaurant, creating a beautiful space that remains flexible throughout service while retaining a peaceful atmosphere.

If you want to see more stunning interiors designed by Atelier Wren, check out our blog on House of Ming, St James’ Court    House of Ming

Want to try somewhere that has perfected the art of eating and drinking?

Join the Cardinal for Sinners Happy Hour, where indulgence knows no bounds!

From 3pm to 6pm every day, unleash your inner rebel with their sinfully good drinks.

CLIENT

The Cardinal Bar & Kitchen

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Cardinal Bar & Kitchen