Mount Street is by far emerging as one of Central London’s most-elegant locales and where chic Londoners spend their free time with Christopher Kane, Balenciaga and Christian Louboutin as its tenants. The allure of Prada will no doubt beckon its neighbourhood further by the opening of Marchesi 1824 – a new pastry shop that forms part of global fashion powerhouse Prada.
Where some may expect high fashion, high tea is the order of the day. Sister to Pasticceria Marchesi in Milan, founded in 1824 and one of the city’s oldest and highly regarded patisseries for its excellence in chocolates, pastries and, of course, the traditional Milanese panettone.
From the outset, Marchesi 1824 is reminiscent of archetypal Italian bakeries with its design taking inspiration from the iconic Milan outpost on Via Santa Maria alla Porta. Occupying the corner of Mount Street and Mount Street Mews, and set just opposite the Connaught Hotel, the exterior is a sublime mix of the area’s imposing red-brick facades and typical Italian shop fronts and cucinas.
Inside, the intimate space expanses approximately 750 sq. ft to feature original wall decorations – notably wrought-iron ceiling hooks revealing the history of the site and Mayfair businesses that once operated in the building. Ensuring the perfect balance between past and present, Marchesi 1824 is a meticulous reimagination of the site in full respect of its pre-existing elements.
With Prada one of the world’s most-prestigious fashion houses, Marchesi 1824 shows no bounds in its foray into hospitality. Opulent dark wood panelling is a perfect match against marble-laid floors sourced from Siena in a decadent black and yellow palette. Bourgeoisie wall tiles sit elegantly with plush cherry tree wood and velveteen furniture and lantern-style lamps. Inspired by the current design of two further outposts on Via Montenapoleone and in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the London site blends perfectly with the building’s original features throughout.
This is a space for all – whether a quick espresso at the bar, takeaway pastry or cake, or an intimate tête-à-tête over a Campari or two, Italian influence is everywhere. A nod to British tradition is savoured by the cosy room at the rear of Marchesi 1824 dedicated wholly to drinking tea, with a variety of options for all times of day. Renowned for its fine pastries, sumptuous croissants and fine selection of chocolates and Italian confectionary, Marchesi 1824 is a traditional yet innovative concept for Mayfair.
Marchesi 1824, 117 Mount Street, London, W1
pasticceriamarchesi.com
