Kid Restaurant in London's vibrant Soho district showcases a groundbreaking interior design by local studio Box 9, utilizing eco-friendly bricks fashioned from recycled construction debris. This innovative approach to material use extends throughout the establishment, from the central grill to the intimate wine room, creating a cohesive and sustainable aesthetic. The design not only reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility but also weaves in elements that honor the building's historical context and the culinary traditions that inspire the restaurant's menu.

Spanning approximately 3,300 square feet, the restaurant is situated on a prominent corner in central Soho, occupying two previously distinct spaces. Box 9's vision unified these units to establish Kid, a contemporary interpretation of a Turkish mangal grill restaurant. The choice of brick as the primary building material was deliberate, serving multiple purposes. It aligns with the Victorian architectural style prevalent in the area, a nod to the building's past, and echoes the long-standing use of brick in hospitality and cooking with fire, a fundamental aspect of traditional Turkish cuisine.

Lou Davies, co-founder of Box 9, emphasized how the site's dual storefronts, one with a historic Victorian upper storey on Frith Street and the other with a more modern facade on Bateman Street, presented an opportunity for a unified design narrative. The design strategy aimed to create a sense of continuity while allowing each section to retain its unique character. The materials company Kenoteq's K-Briq, composed of at least 90 percent recycled construction and demolition waste, was pivotal in achieving this. These K-Briqs require no fossil fuels for production and emit significantly less carbon than conventional bricks, highlighting the project's sustainable core.

The interior of Kid Restaurant is meticulously planned to offer varied experiences. The Frith Street side maintains a more classic Victorian ambiance, while the Bateman Street entrance reveals a contemporary feel. Upon entering from Bateman Street, guests are greeted by the central grill, a focal point entirely constructed from these recycled bricks. This section also features a distinct wine room, accommodating 14 guests, also crafted from brick, providing an intimate setting for diners. Downstairs, an open bakery functions as a versatile events space, complete with customizable tables by Jan Hendzel Studio, allowing for flexible configurations for different occasions.

The overall design sought to embody the unique personality of chef Sertaç Dirik, whose culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in his family's generations-long tradition of Turkish cooking, particularly the art of cooking with fire. Davies noted that Sertaç's robust personality and background required a restaurant space that was entirely his own, capturing the essence of his heritage and cooking style. This holistic approach to design, merging sustainability, historical context, and personal narrative, sets Kid Restaurant apart as a distinctive culinary destination in London.

In essence, Kid Restaurant stands as a testament to thoughtful and sustainable design, where every brick tells a story of heritage, innovation, and environmental consciousness. The restaurant masterfully blends the past with the present, creating an immersive dining experience that is both visually striking and culturally rich. Through the strategic use of recycled materials and a design that honors both the building's history and the chef's culinary legacy, Box 9 has crafted a unique space that promises to be a memorable addition to London's dynamic restaurant scene.