Stokes Architecture + Design has transformed the former home of abolitionist, revolutionary, and potter John Vickers into a new White Dog Cafe location. (The contemporary dining concept now boasts five outposts across the Philadelphia area.)
Situated in a refurbished farmhouse that once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, the café blends history with a playful, dog-themed narrative across seven uniquely designed rooms.
The design of White Dog Cafe
Previously home to Vickers Restaurant, a fine dining spot for 50 years, the space now channels the charm and warmth of a British pub from the 1800s. Custom fabric banquettes, vintage church pews, and a mix of eclectic seating enhance the pub-like ambiance. Original brick flooring in the dining and drawing rooms were preserved and refreshed with new finishes as well.
In the 1990s, an addition was built to add a banquet hall to the restaurant space. Here, Stokes A+D referenced stable architecture and created a semi-open floor plan that now houses the main bar, illuminated by hexagonal lanterns rescued from an old church.
A retractable awning, a fireplace on the front patio, and a second covered patio on the side of the building were also added.
As a nod to Vickers’ pottery background, a collection of large stoneware jugs is prominently displayed in the space, too.
An ode to the canine
The café’s canine theme is woven throughout, from the custom mural by Reverend Michael Allen—depicting heaven, hell, and a host of named dogs—to framed silhouettes of various dog breeds by local artist Janelle Morrison.
The design even extends to the plateware, which furthers the feeling that each room is as cozy and personalized as a dog-lover’s home. Fireplaces anchor each room, including a double-sided hearth that links the main bar to a dining room.
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