Diving into the F&B design details at Matriarca in Porto
Opened by Symington Family Estates and centred around a beautifully restored, three-storey townhouse in the heart of Porto, Matriarca draws on the legacy of the British-Portuguese Symington family, fifth generation port and wine producers. Designed with James Thurstan Waterworth, former European Design Director at Soho House, the project is imagined as a residential space in which a series of F&B spaces intuitively unfold – from The Dining Room, a 40-cover restaurant helmed by Head Chef Pedro Lencastre Monteiro, to the Wine Bar, led by José Mendes of Torto fame. With interiors crafted from reclaimed materials in collaboration with local artists, the venue also reflects the Symingtons’ pioneering work in sustainability and its role in protecting the UNESCO Douro Valley. Here, we chat to fifth generation Vicky Symington, who reveals how her storied family history brought the project to life.
What were the primary influences for the design behind the F&B spaces at Matriarca?
The design throughout the hotel is rooted in the history and spirit of the Symington family, drawing particular inspiration from Beatriz Leitão Carvalhosa Atkinson, our family’s matriarch, who was renowned for being the consummate host, bringing people together over food and wine. Thurstan approached the project as a reinterpretation of a 19th-century Porto townhouse, creating a “home for wine lovers” that feels both historically grounded and contemporary. While the food offering more directly reflects Anglo-Portuguese influences, the design focuses on the overall experience, shaped by my family’s cross-cultural heritage and long-standing connections between Portugal and Britain. There is also a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and locality, with reclaimed materials, vintage pieces and collaborations with Portuguese artisans helping to root the project in its setting while honouring the building’s original character.
How does the F&B experience unfold?
One of the most distinctive aspects of Matriarca is its multi-layered townhouse experience, with each floor offering a different but connected environment – from the lively ground floor Wine Bar to the more intimate The Dining Room, plus The Cellar Shop and The Attic Bar. The building itself is a defining feature. Original architectural details such as panelling, staircases and stained glass have been carefully preserved and integrated into the design, reinforcing a strong sense of place and authenticity.
Additional highlights include:
• The use of locally sourced vintage furniture and reclaimed materials throughout
• Bespoke ceramic tiles created in collaboration with Portuguese ceramicist Joaquim Pombal
• Archival photography from the Symington family, adding a deeply personal narrative layer
• The Attic Bar’s eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional elements, including a library-style space and fireplace
Together, these elements create a rich, immersive setting that feels both curated and naturally lived in.
How does the design influence the atmosphere in each space?
The design plays a central role in shaping Matriarca’s defining residential and welcoming atmosphere. Each space has been conceived to resemble a different part of a private home, encouraging guests to move through the building in a natural and intuitive way. This approach softens the formality often associated with wine-led venues, creating an environment that feels relaxed, personal and inviting. Material choices including timber, stone, soft textiles and candlelit lighting throughout the bar and restaurants contribute to a warm and intimate ambience, while layered décor and vintage pieces add depth and character. The result is a setting that supports both convivial social occasions in the Wine Bar and more refined dining experiences in The Dining Room, all unified by a consistent sense of comfort and hospitality.
How do you hope the design has a lasting impression on guests?
The intention is for guests to leave Matriarca feeling as though they have spent time in a thoughtfully designed private residence rather than a conventional hospitality venue. By combining heritage, storytelling and a strong sense of place, the design aims to create an emotional connection that extends beyond the visit itself. Personal references to the Symington family, alongside local craftsmanship and materials, reinforce this authenticity. Ultimately, the goal is to create a space that guests return to not only for the food and wine, but for the atmosphere – a place where they feel welcomed, at ease and part of a community built around shared experiences.
