Redefining The Audio Experience in London’s Top Restaurants

London’s dining scene just got more exciting with the opening of FONDA, the latest restaurant by the creators of MJMK Group, known for its hotspots like Casa do Frango, KOL, and Lisboeta.

FONDA’s interiors are a feast for the eyes and the ears, with their custom-designed sound systems. The space balances rustic charm with a modern edge, featuring dark wood joinery, earthy tones, and ambient lighting that creates an inviting atmosphere from the moment you step inside. Each detail was meticulously crafted to echo the warmth and authenticity of the restaurant’s culinary inspirations.

Custom-Designed Sound System

A custom-designed sound system was essential to creating a multi-sensory experience. Tateside, a London-based audio-visual specialist recognised for its customised sound system integrations, designed and installed a solution that seamlessly blends with the restaurant’s aesthetic while delivering premium sound performance.

The JBL L52 Classic speakers were chosen for their retro appeal and high-fidelity sound quality. Their dark wood finish perfectly complements the restaurant’s bespoke woodwork, making them both a design statement and a technical powerhouse.

“We are often asked to source compact, well-designed speakers that offer a full-range audio experience. Many commercial speakers fail to deliver true “full-range” performance, so this project allowed them to think outside the box,” says Technical Director Jack Cornish.

“Selecting Hi-Fi speakers like the JBL L52s required careful planning around physical mounting and system protection. Since soft-dome drivers aren’t designed to run hard for extended periods, we used DSP and system-limiting features to protect the drivers and ensure reliable, long-term performance. Supporting these products with the right back-end system design was key to achieving the desired sound quality.”

Innovative Installation Solutions

The main challenge in this project was mounting Hi-Fi speakers from the ceiling—especially since these types of speakers typically lack rigging points and are designed for shelf placement. However, Tateside found an innovative solution by fabricating custom speaker brackets with threaded inserts installed into the speakers for secure and stylish mounting.

Tateside created SketchUp mock-ups to ensure precision, detailed the bracket design, and obtained client approval. From there, they produced precise CAD drawings and had the metal laser-cut and fabricated by their trusted in-house metal expert.

Tateside’s expertise extended beyond hardware customisation. They delivered exceptional sound performance by leveraging DSP and room measurements for audio tuning. Using amplifiers with built-in DSP and processing capabilities allowed them to adapt the system perfectly to the space, ensuring an immersive and balanced audio experience throughout the restaurant.

Precision Audio Control for an Unmatched Experience

FONDA’s two-level layout had distinct audio requirements. The L52s run in full-range mode upstairs, delivering a rich, full-bodied musical experience that perfectly complements the bold flavours emerging from the kitchen.

Downstairs, an intimate bar setting comes alive with the same JBL L52s, paired with compact Void double 8” subwoofers. This combination creates a rich sound with a solid low end, setting the perfect tone for late-night drinks and DJ sets.

The entire system is powered by three Blaze Dante-enabled amplifiers featuring advanced DSP technology, offering flexible sound system control and precise tuning. Physical controllers and DJ inputs throughout the space provide dynamic audio control for both curated playlists and live performances.

A Tailor-Made AV Experience that Sets FONDA Apart

By blending carefully adapted Hi-Fi components with a custom-designed sound system and audio-visual installation approach, Tateside ensured FONDA’s AV experience was unique and personalised. This is far from a “cookie-cutter” setup—it’s a bespoke pro AV solution that enhances the restaurant’s identity, ensuring every guest’s audio experience is immersive, memorable, and utterly distinct.

”When working with the MJMK team, you always know the end result will be special. Their attention to detail throughout the whole project process is admirable. We love having clients driven to make the audio experience the best it can be in their venues and appreciate the real value this can bring to their guests,” says Cornish.

Looking to up your dining experience and restaurant game? Look no further! Get in touch with us to discuss your next project!

You can also check out a few other hospitality projects we’ve recently worked on!