George Street

London — Marylebone

Retail Hospitality Refurbishment

Year

2009

Type

Retail, cafe & deli

Scope

Refurbishment

Client

Commercial start-up

Overview

Delicatessen and cafe, a prototype for a new specialist food chain in London’s Marylebone

This small prototype for a new specialist food chain in London's Marylebone has an informal, almost domestic scale which reflects the food freshly prepared on site.

Concept

The layout is compact but open, allowing the three key activities — cafe, store, kitchen — to overlap efficiently.

Various studies of circulation, preparation, seating and daylighting were distilled into one primary form, a wrap-around storage screen, to simplify the construction time and cost.

The open layout creates a strong connection with the street.

Before & after

The dark room prior to works — Before — natural daylight is maximised to convey a bright and informal simplicity

Open layout enveloped in rustic tones, natural materials and maximized daylight — After

Section diagram expressing fluid connection of different areas and respective activities

Low ceiling and dark spaces prior to the new fit-out — Before — secondary walls and ceilings are stripped out, maximising proportions and simplifying the services. Acoustic panels to the ceiling absorb noise to create a comfortable environment, as well as providing fire protection

Delicatessen with marble floor and concrete strip at the top of the wall — After

Section diagram showing areas and activities

Reflection of the wooden table in the mirror's counter

Project credits

Graphic designNVRdesign

WorktopsSalix Stainless Steel Fabrications