Studio WYZE has unveiled the interiors for Fenix Mayfair, marking the modern Greek concept’s London debut following its 2023 launch in Manchester.
Sculpting light and space
Spanning 4,500 square feet, the restaurant from Permanently Unique Group translates the spirit of the Cyclades into a layered, sensory experience. Set within a 1920s Portland stone building, the design responds to the structure’s heritage framework by maximizing natural light, with sculptural plaster arches guiding guests through a sequence of spaces—from the light-filled dining room to the darker, more intimate bar.
Where natural light fades, Studio WYZE introduces a dynamic lighting strategy in collaboration with INTO Lighting. A feature wall of Greek decorative bricks is backlit with color-shifting illumination that evolves throughout the day, echoing the changing hues of the sun.
A restrained palette of neutral tones and natural materials balances Mayfair’s quiet luxury with Mediterranean warmth, while the interplay of light and shadow remains central throughout.
“The design explores rhythm and restraint,” says Christina Arbenz, cofounder and principal of London- and Zurich-based Studio WYZE. “Set within a heritage building, we allowed the existing architecture to inform the spatial approach, introducing curved plaster arches and a consistent material palette to create a series of interconnected spaces rather than separate rooms.”
Materiality at Fenix Mayfair
Decorative breeze blocks form sculptural focal points, while dual plaster finishes evoke the raw textures of Mykonos. In the bar, terrazzo flooring, fluted rammed earth panels, a lava-stone back bar, and a bronze feather-front counter create a richly tactile environment, complemented by Italian parquet floors and bespoke furnishings.
“Our design aim was to evoke the feeling of a Greek island gathering in London—a place where guests immediately feel relaxed, can slow down, and fully immerse themselves in the food, atmosphere, and each other,” says Chris Sayce, cofounder and principal of Studio WYZE. “By using tactile, natural materials, warm lighting, and handcrafted details, the space feels laid-back and inviting, yet sophisticated. It’s a restaurant meant to be savored over time, from daylight to evening, without ever seeming rigid or formal.”
