Studio WYZE Leads Design for FENIX Mayfair London | Modern Greek Restaurant Interiors

The modern Greek restaurant’s London debut unfolds as a journey through light, rhythm and space

Studio WYZE, the interior design firm with offices in London and Zurich, has revealed the interiors of Permanently Unique Group’s FENIX Mayfair—marking the London debut of the acclaimed modern Greek restaurant. Following its successful 2023 launch in Manchester, FENIX arrives in the capital as a design-led destination where cuisine, light and spatial rhythm converge.

At its core, FENIX Mayfair embodies the spirit of the Cyclades, brought to life through both culinary and spatial storytelling. Executive Chef Zisis Giannourous and Head Chef Angelos Togias (previously of Krokodilos) lead the kitchen, combining traditional Aegean ingredients with contemporary techniques to create a refined yet rooted dining experience.

For this project, Studio WYZE grounded its design ethos in celebrating the artistry of Greek cuisine alongside the cultural heritage of the islands. Inspired by the mythical Phoenix, the concept reflects cycles of renewal and transformation—echoing the transitions between day and night. This narrative unfolds across a single 4,500 sq ft floor accommodating 166 covers, resulting in a cohesive and layered spatial journey.

The building itself plays a defining role. Its 1920s Portland stone façade and prominent street presence set the tone for the interior design. In response, Studio WYZE maximised natural light through existing windows, crafting an inviting frontage while working within planning constraints. Inside, sculptural plaster arches guide guests through a sequence of spaces, transitioning from the deeper, nocturnal tones of the bar to the lighter, more open atmosphere of the dining room.

A neutral colour palette paired with natural materials establishes a timeless aesthetic. The design balances Mayfair’s understated luxury with Mediterranean warmth, expressed through a careful interplay of tone, texture and detail. The result is immersive yet restrained—transportive without veering into theatricality.

As Christina Arbenz, Co-founder and Principal of Studio WYZE, explains:
“The design explores rhythm and restraint. 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.”

At the heart of the restaurant lies the open kitchen and signature open-fire grill, forming a dynamic focal point. Studio WYZE worked closely with the FENIX team to ensure the kitchen captures the theatre of the brand’s culinary philosophy, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Given the depth of the space, natural daylight does not reach every corner—yet this became an opportunity rather than a limitation. Collaborating with INTO Lighting, the studio introduced a feature wall of Greek decorative bricks, illuminated with colour-shifting light that mirrors the natural rhythm of the sun—bright and airy during the day, gradually warming into the evening.

Craftsmanship and authenticity underpin every detail. Studio WYZE partnered with European artisans to source materials and create bespoke elements throughout the space. Decorative breeze blocks from Damask in Greece form striking feature walls, while dual plaster finishes by Calfe Crimmings in the UK evoke the raw, textured surfaces of Mykonos.

The bar area further reflects this attention to detail, featuring custom terrazzo floors by Aurora Terrazzo and bespoke finishes by Bristol-based Codsteaks. These include fluted rammed earth panels, a lava-stone back bar, and a finely detailed bronze feather bar front. Italian parquet flooring by Foglie d’Oro, custom furniture from OZO Living in Portugal, and joinery by Timbermark in Ireland collectively reinforce a sense of enduring quality and Mediterranean hospitality.

Located in Mayfair—long considered the epicentre of London’s luxury dining scene—FENIX introduces a more refined and tactile approach to hospitality design. Rather than leaning into maximalism, the space prioritises warmth, craftsmanship and subtlety, offering a sophisticated yet welcoming environment.

Chris Sayce, Co-founder and Principal of Studio WYZE, reflects on the vision:
“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. By using tactile, natural materials, warm lighting and handcrafted details, the space feels laid-back and inviting, yet sophisticated.”

With FENIX Mayfair, Studio WYZE delivers a nuanced interpretation of modern Greek hospitality. Through its considered use of light, materiality and spatial flow, the restaurant unfolds as a carefully choreographed experience—one that seamlessly transitions from day to night while remaining deeply rooted in place.

Contact Studio WYZE for more.