London & South East Premier Hospitality

A second addition to the Copita brand

Copita del Mercado, London, Soho
Written by Roma Publications

Copita del Mercado, London, Soho

The owners of Copita tapas bar in Soho have recently opened a second venue, Copita del Mercado on Wentworth Street E1 home to the famous Petticoat Lane Market.

This Spanish tapas restaurant is located just a stone’s throw away from the up and coming area of Spitalfields and Aldgate East.

We caught up with Chris Harding, Director at Tonik Associates Ltd, to find out more about Tonik’s involvement in the project. Chris commented:

“Tim Luther approached us as interior designers to fit out his new Copita restaurant. We were recommended to the client as we undertake projects like this a lot.”

The initial planning process started in May 2014 and works on site commenced in October with Graham Stacey acting as the main contractor. The new Copita restaurant reflects the original Soho-based venue in its design; with a simple, elegant feel to the space.

With regards to the design Chris added:

“The Soho design concept was quite simple and because of thevenue’s success Tim was eager to ensure he didn’t over-design the new venue. Tim wanted to make sure the two restaurants weren’t miles apart design wise but was also keen to not just repeat the Soho design features in the new space. The new venue is more than double the Soho branch in size and so has a very different feel to the Soho Copita and the design adapts to this.”

Copita del Mercado, London, Soho

The 100 plus cover venue (total covers once outside space of 45 covers opens in July this year) is located on the ground floor of a brand new residential unit just off Commercial Street. The aim was to make the newest Copita more urban and earthy than the one in Soho.

The venue opened its doors in mid-December to the public after a three month fit out project.

When dining at Copita, customers ascend a small flight of steps leading into the main restaurant space and are greeted by two bar spaces; one of which is the kitchen and the other one the main bar. The bottle bar boasts an impressive copper top and timber front and the kitchen area is signposted with a funky, stainless steel design.

Other features include eye catching turquoise-blue tiles, terracotta floor tiles, old timber fittings which give the space an industrial feel, as well as light fittings constructed from old gramophone horns. Industrial old fashioned 1940’s car inspection lights can also be seen hanging throughout the venue.

Chris said the team did encounter a few difficulties during the fit-out process including less drainage points and electricity than originally expected. The design had to take this into account and adapt the venue’s layout around the minimal drainage and electricity points.

Copita del Mercado, London, Soho

The on-site team also had to decide where to install air conditioning systems and extract systems in the restaurant that would not disturb those living in the residential properties above. The design concept also had to fit in with the local environment.

Chris said that despite the challenges the feedback so far has been extremely positive especially from the client. He added:

“The whole point of everything we do is to create something special. There are basic things that have to be done when designing a venue however there are other aspects where we can add flair to the space and make it look really nice. The project was budget conscious and yet despite this we have managed to make a really impressive venue.”

Copita’s tapas (strictly ‘media raciones’ would be the term in Spanish which means medium sized plates) menu comprises an array of mouth-watering, market-fresh dishes for diners to enjoy. You can come and perch in the bar area with one of their unrivalled gin and tonics, a fino sour, crisp sherry or salt water brewed craft beers with a light snack, have a few quick bites with a glass of wine (they have over 30 by the glass) or make a reservation and go the whole hog on the food front and enjoy a full blow out accompanied by a bottle of wine from their beguiling list of Spanish wines. Book now before it gets too busy! www.copitadelmercdo.com

Copita del Mercado, London, Soho

Soft launch offer is running through all of January where anyone who books through the website gets a tasty 25% off the food bill!

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Roma Publications